COLUMN: Joe Hawk

     Who would have thought 7 1/2 years ago that for a brash and bulldozing boxer named Mike Tyson it would someday come to this?
      One night, one fight to save his career.
      If you had asked in January 1990 what the future held for the then-23-year-old with the rib-rocking left hook, jaw-jarring uppercut and title of "undisputed heavyweight champion of the world," the response would have been laced with reverent references to Joe Louis and Muhammad Ali -- men who indelibly defined the sport.
      Although the heavyweight division was lacking in overall talent at the time of Tyson's rise in the late 1980s -- George Foreman and Larry Holmes were notably past their primes -- the young boxer was such a cut above every opponent that he appeared to be more than merely great. He appeared invincible.
      And in spite of his boorish, brutish demeanor, Tyson became just what the fight game needed: a personality, albeit a reluctant one. As a fresh-faced wunderkind in a weight division that had grown stale, he was Tiger Woods before anyone outside of Mike Douglas and Bob Hope knew who Tiger Woods was.
      Perhaps it was that touted invincibility -- as a fighter and a celebrity -- that resulted in Tyson being taken down three times over the past 7 1/2 years: once by unheralded Buster Douglas in February 1990, once by Indiana's criminal justice system on a rape conviction in February 1992 and, most recently, by lightly regarded Evander Holyfield in November.
      No one but "Iron" Mike can answer that question.
      But the question Tyson must answer tonight at the MGM Grand Garden is whether he still has what it takes to join the likes of Louis and Ali as one of boxing's all-time greats. I'm betting the answer is "yes."
      I see a more focused, more dedicated, more determined Mike Tyson when he steps in the ring for his rematch against Holyfield, the man who stripped him of his World Boxing Association crown. I see Mike Tyson of the late 1980s, when being heavyweight champion meant everything to him.
      So much of Tyson's game -- and his life -- of late has been mental and emotional. After spending 3 1/2 years in prison for a crime he contends to this day he didn't commit, he comes off angrier than he ever has been. Whereas early in his career his youthful anger was channeled toward his opponents, today it's broader based. To be back on top of his game, he must refocus his emotions.
      To his credit, Tyson acknowledges he never expected Holyfield to box as well as he did in their first fight. He admits to having underestimated the preparation, skills and staying power of his challenger. Now, with veteran trainer Richie Giachetti back at his side, Tyson most certainly will go into tonight's rematch with a well-researched game plan, one targeting not only a quick victory but also how to win should the fight go the distance.
      Technically, there is little you can expect a fighter of Tyson's size and boxing style to change. While he and Holyfield weighed in at 218 pounds Thursday, Holyfield has a 3-inch height and 6 1/2-inch reach advantage.
      Tyson will always look for the early knockout, always try to bully his opponent. I expect no less tonight.
      "My theory is destroy or be destroyed," Tyson has said on many occasions.
      However, he'll be destroyed again if he lets the taller Holyfield rush him like he did in the first fight. Although Tyson has quick, powerful hands, they lose much of their oomph if they're delivered while he's forced back on his heels. He must come out the aggressor and stay the aggressor -- for all 12 rounds, if necessary.
      Additionally, Tyson must keep Holyfield from throwing a couple of quick punches and then tying him up. That worked to Holyfield's advantage the last time in that it continuously frustrated the champ.
      Should his stamina be stronger this time, Tyson must stay mobile, both to control the center of the ring as much as possible -- Holyfield held it 70 percent of the time in November -- and to keep his head away from his opponent's quick counterpunches. On offense, he must not short-arm his hooks; they have to be delivered with full extension to net their greatest impact.
      And Tyson must be able to think quickly on his feet. Holyfield most definitely will try some variations on what worked so well for him before.
      But above all else, Mike Tyson must show Evander Holyfield that nothing means more to him than winning the title back. In so doing, he'll show the world that his career -- a career he spent his whole life cultivating - is again a legend in the making.
     
      Joe Hawk's column is published Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. He can be reached by phone at 383-0353 or by e-mail at Joe_Hawk@lvrj.com.