Britain's Danny Williams will fight former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in Kentucky on July 30.
Williams will replace Irishman Kevin McBride as Tyson's next opponent in Louisville - and the duo shaped up at a press conference in Louisville today.
Tyson was unusually humble today when he said: "I'm not here to be tough today, I'll be tough in the ring on July 30."
And former European champions Williams added: "I'm not here to be a fall guy - tell Mike be ready for a fight."
Problems over money and doubts over McBride's calibre by the American pay-per-view television network Showtime have given 30-year-old Williams the bout - and a career-high purse estimated at around £400,000. Williams has won 31 of his 34 professional fights, although he has a points loss to former Tyson foe Julius Francis in April 1999 on his record - which was subsequently avenged.
His first real step up in class to face European champion Sinan Samil Sam in Berlin in February 2003 resulted in a crushing sixth-round stoppage loss. Williams claimed the inconsequential WBU heavyweight title with a third-round win over African Augustin N'Gou last month.
Meanwhile, Tyson has fought for just 49 seconds since his comprehensive world heavyweight title loss to Lennox Lewis two years ago. And the American revealed he has missed boxing today as he explained: "I missed the sound of the crowds - and the sound of my opponent hitting the mat."
Tyson is hoping this bout will be the first of a series en route to winning a major version of the world title once more. Regarding his current troubles, Tyson stated, "I'm a foolish person I know but it's a free country. I deserve another chance - I love boxing and I love to pay my bills."
Tyson advisor Shelly Finkel insisted this is the most dedicated and intense Tyson has ever been, while promoter Chris Webb told reporters he was delighted to bring world-class heavyweight boxing back to Louisville - the birthplace of former world champions Muhammad Ali, Jimmy Ellis and Greg Page.
Filed by Barry J Whyte
