New law could KO Tyson

      Mike Tyson could face a nationwide ban from boxing because of a federal law that goes on the books today.
      The measure, known as the Professional Boxing Safety Act, was adopted by Congress last year to prevent journeyman fighters from bouncing from state to state, while fleeing a history of aliases and physically damaging bouts.
      "What we have done is tried to establish a floor in terms of a regulatory framework for boxing," said Sen. Richard Bryan, D-Nev., a co-sponsor of the bill that created the law.
      The Nevada State Athletic Commission is scheduled to meet today to consider whether to hold a disciplinary hearing that could lead to Tyson's suspension for twice biting Evander Holyfield during Saturday night's bout at the MGM Grand.
      Tyson could be banned from boxing in all 50 states because of a provision of the law recommending that every state honor suspensions issued by the boxing commission of any other state.
      If a state is unwilling to honor the suspension, it must offer a written explanation to boxing officials where the fighter was first suspended.
      "This legislation will help restore some dignity to a sport that is clearly on the ropes," said Rep. Tom Bliley, R-Va, chairman of the House Commerce Committee. "If you're suspended in one state, you're TKO'd everywhere."
      Although states are not required to honor the suspensions, Bryan said fear of public embarrassment will ensure they do.
      "I have great confidence they will," he said. "There is a burden on the other state to come up with the rationale for not adhering to another state's suspension."
      The law also requires:
      --A nationwide license for boxers that is renewable every two years.
      --Prefight physical examinations, ringside physicians and health insurance for injuries sustained in boxing matches.
      --A prohibition against members or employees of boxing commissions from receiving any compensation from promoters, boxers or anyone else with a financial interest in a fight. A violation of the prohibition could be punishable by a year in prison and a $20,000 fine.