Posted on: Wednesday, May 1, 2002

Tyson training on Maui for June title fight

By Christie Wilson
Neighbor Island Editor

Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson says he "can't wait" to get in the ring with champion Lennox Lewis. Maui News via AP

WAILEA, Maui — Maui has long been a celebrity retreat, but now it has become a training ground for former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.

Tyson has been quietly at work on Maui for the past 4› months, training for his upcoming title fight against champion Lennox Lewis.

The June 8 bout in Memphis, Tenn., is being described as the richest fight ever — ringside seats are going for $2,400 — and it is certainly one of the biggest of Tyson's career as he continues to battle not only opponents in the ring, but also his troubled past.

That Tyson picked Maui as a training site drew notice yesterday at a session with two dozen members of the international press who crammed into the fighter's beachfront villa at the Fairmont Kea Lani.

When a reporter expressed skepticism whether Maui's atmosphere was conducive to serious preparation and was "too relaxed," Tyson fired back: "Should I be relaxed? How should I be?"

Said Ronnie Shields, one of Tyson's trainers: "There ain't nothing lazy about it when you're training for the heavyweight championship of the world."

Tyson, who has been training at the hotel's health club and at a boxing ring set up for him at the Diamond Resort, will continue to train here until about two weeks before the fight.

Tyson trainer Stacy McKinley said "Team Tyson" decided to set up camp on Maui after one of the group's security members recommended the island for its amenities and relative isolation.

The boxer has been able to train without the crowds that usually accompany him or other distractions.

"Everyone on the island has been real nice," McKinley said.

Tyson said he had been to Maui once before with his second wife, and said he's happy to be back. "Fighting is fun. Why shouldn't training be fun?" he said.

McKinley said the former champ has even been sleeping better, thanks to the soothing sound of the ocean.

When asked about his long-awaited fight with Lewis, who, at 6 feet 5, has a considerable height advantage, Tyson said: "It's my time now ... he thinks I'm afraid of him. I'm going to show him differently. I can't wait."