Talk host gets spot on Tyson’s show
Sports-talk host Seat Williams had a front-row seat as the ring announcer when Mike Tyson hung up his gloves almost six years ago.
Williams is back on Tyson's team as a ring announcer, but this time on a much larger historical stage -- Tyson's launch as a Las Vegas headliner.
"It's incredible, the break of a lifetime," said Williams, hours before the debut of Tyson's one-man show Friday at the MGM Grand.
Tyson had officially retired June 11, 2005, after a loss to 6-foot-6 Irishman Kevin McBride on a 6th-round TKO in the MCI Center in Washington, D.C.
But Tyson needed money and after two months of public workouts at Planet Hollywood Resort, he agreed to a world tour of four-round exhibition fights that started and ended in Youngstown, Ohio.
Tyson called off the tour after a lackluster showing against Corey "T-Rex" Sanders.
Williams, a local sports-talk pioneer, had landed the ring announcer job through boxing promoter Sterling McPherson. A closer friendship blossomed when Tyson and Williams teamed up on microphones at Planet Hollywood.
"He gave me interviews no one else would get," Williams said.
Tyson has become a regular on "Afternoon Gridlock" (ESPN affiliate KWWN 720 AM/98.9 FM) with Williams and co-hosts Paul Howard and newcomer Ed Graney, Review-Journal sports columnist.
Being part of "Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth, Live on Stage," is a dream fulfilled for Williams, who initially majored in acting.
Tyson is "a natural-born entertainer," Williams said. "He takes you on a roller coaster ride. He hides nothing. It's incredible."
Among the revelations: After biting Evander Holyfield's ear in 1998, Tyson agreed to see a psychiatrist.
"I think it's going to be the best show on the Strip," Williams said.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Penn Jillette remains a narrow favorite to win Donald Trump's "Celebrity Apprentice" on NBC, according to Wynn Las Vegas oddsmaker Johnny Avello. Jillette is listed at 3-1. Clay Aiken, who famously sparred with Jillette earlier in the show, is 4-1, with Lisa Lampanelli, 9-2, and Arsenio Hall, 5-1. Avello posts the odds for entertainment purposes only, not wagering.
SIGHTINGS
Heidi Klum, conducting an interview with Entertainment Tonight in the MGM Grand lobby on Friday night. ... At Elton John's show (Caesars Palace) on Friday: Radio legend Larry King and wife Shawn and comedian George Lopez. ... Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder and head coach Mike Shanahan, dining with a group at Joe's Stone Crab (Forum Shops at Caesars) on Thursday. ... Reality TV star and Public Enemy's front man Flavor Flav, dining at Republic Kitchen and Bar in Henderson on Thursday. ... Vinnie Favorito, ordering linguine and clams Tuesday at the Pasta Shop Ristorante and Art Gallery, 2525 W. Horizon Ridge. ... Danny Pudi, shooting promotional shots Friday for his NBC show "Community" at 'wichcraft (MGM Grand) and while jogging in front of the Bellagio fountains. He was at the Mob Museum on Thursday, posing with former Mayor Oscar Goodman. ... At Tao (Venetian) on Thursday: Actress Shannon Elizabeth, BMX driver Richard Laguna (celebrating his 30th birthday) and actress and singer Brandy.
THE PUNCH LINE
"Happy birthday to David Letterman, who turned 65 years old today. I don't want to say he's getting old, but today, he read the Top Ten reasons to get off his lawn." -- Jimmy Fallon
Norm Clarke can be reached at 702-383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter @Norm_Clarke.
