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| Mike Tyson V Clifford Etienne February 22nd 2003, At Pyramid Arena in Memphis, Tennessee, USA |
| TYSON - ETIENNE OFFICIALY ANOUNCED November 24th 2002 Tyson will fight Clifford Etienne in a 10-rounder on february 22nd 2002 at The Pyramid arena in Memphis and will be shown live at 10pm by TV network SHOWTME. Tickets will start at $25, with 16,000 priced at $250 and below. The fight will not be pay per view. Finkel said Tyson is returning to Memphis because of "the hospitality of the city." Mike, 36 years old , 49-4 , appeared to improve his image in Memphis despite losing. Etienne, 30, is the No. 8 heavyweight in the International Boxing Federation ratings. Etienne, nicknamed "the Black Rhino," lives in Baton Rouge, Los Angeles, USA More information will be made available on TUESDAY at an official press conferance. Etienne (24-1-1) will attend the press conference. Tyson adviser Shelly Finkel said he's hopeful the former champ will attend. To view the official press release from SHOWTIME, the TV network with Tyson click HERE |
| 24-1-1 |
| 49-4 - 0 -2 |
| Articles Regarding the fight |
| The Rhino is the Right Fight for Iron Mike By Steve Trellert from eastsideboxing.com 16.09 - With his one sided beating at the hands of Lennox Lewis now behind him, Iron Mike Tyson has been busy surveying the Heavyweight landscape for a prospective prey that will revitalize a career that has become a shadow of its former self. Tyson could go back to fighting Danish pastries, English incompetence, Heavyweight headcases, or rusty retirees, but the public recognizes that the cat is out of the bag in regards to mystique and that Iron Mike must sell tickets based on something other than his legacy. The present is catching up to him. The solution, enter 'the Rhino' Clifford Etienne (Photo: RhinoTime.com) Many will claim that the Rhino is no different from all the other 'name' tomato cans Tyson fought in those few years prior to Lennox Lewis. In other words an opponent of no threat at all. In all honesty the many are largely right in terms of style. Clifford Etienne is made to order for Mike in that his defense is negligible. He moves straight ahead towards his opponent with little head movement fully exposing his well-publicized brittle chin and temple. Offensively too his power is of relatively limited concern, he can knock his opponent down but it takes numerous combinations to do so. Nevertheless, he is not quite of the order of weakness as the previous brittle bunch. Etienne has something the others largely lacked, which was mental composure and a heart of a warrior. The Rhino has never been one to be intimidated; hence Tyson's advantage in this regards is likely to be null and void. Though clearly a precipitous step down from Lewis, Etienne is a step above Mike's previous routine on par with perhaps Frans Botha whose similar confidence and willpower caused Tyson much concern. Despite his bravery, Etienne has never demonstrated enough ring intelligence to follow a strategy to fruition and therefore will likely become easy meat for team Tyson. Is there any shame in that? None at all as it would be incredibly dangerous to place him in with a top contender immediately after getting blown out. Don't believe me; ask Shane Mosely or Oleg Maskaev. Etienne is just about the right fit at this point in time, not only in regards to style, but in terms of marketing as well. With the Tyson mystique chopped down like Canadian lumber Mike needs something else to enhance his marketability and nothing else accomplishes this better than action and excitement in the ring. Clifford Etienne is clearly one of the most exciting Heavyweight fighters today. His head on guts and glory aggressive style is exciting to watch as he moves forward throwing combinations at an intensely high activity rate. His Lawrence Cley-Bey and Lamon Brewster fights were strong testaments of that. Unlike Brian Nielson who hardly threw a punch, Etienne most certainly will throw everything but the kitchen sink at Tyson in the early going forcing Mike to respond in kind. A recently low activity Tyson will have no choice but to discard restraint. Short and explosive is the likely outcome of this fight and that is just what Team Tyson needs to get some of the bandwagon jumper's back on board into their seats. Until recent times the name Mike Tyson was a synonym for ring action and excitement, and the Rhino may be the made to order man to bring that back. This fight will likely be Mike Tyson's first step on the road back from oblivion, or the confirmation of a final sunset that calls it curtains for the shadow |
| Clifford Etienne Biography: From rhinotime.com Clifford Etienne was born March 9, 1972 in Lafayette Louisiana and raised in nearby New Iberia. Like the sugar cane that grows tall in the fields along the bayou, so also did a young Clifford Etienne grow to become a strong young man and an outstanding high school athlete. Boxing was actually not a major interest for Etienne, who was known for his proficiency in playing football and basketball in addition to track and wrestling. So outstanding was his high school football career that he was recruited to play football for numerous schools including LSU, Oklahoma and Texas A&M. At age seventeen, it appeared as though Etienne was already on the road to success as a student and athlete. It was at that moment of aspiration, however, that the dream came crashing down around him. At seventeen, Etienne was convicted of armed robbery and sentenced to 40 years behind bars. Etienne spent 10 years at the Dixon Correctional Facility in Louisiana, and it was during this time that he decided to turn things around. While at DCI, Etienne converted to Islam and enrolled into an educational program sponsored by Southern University. During his incarceration at Dixon Correctional, Etienne took up boxing and eventually enlisted with the Louisiana Boxing Association. The LBA scheduled fights between boxers from different correctional facilities, and Etienne seemed to find his calling as his record flourished to 30-0. Although Etienne was merely a fan of boxing as a teenager, he finally realized that boxing was what he wanted to do when he returned home. After spending ten years of his life behind bars, Etienne was released from prison with a new lease on life. After his release from prison, Etienne began attending Southern University in Baton Rouge. Although Etienne is often known primarily for his athletic abilities, he was able to show his scholarly talents as well by making the Dean's List while at Southern U. Finally, at the age of 28, Etienne turned pro. In his first bout on December 3 1998, Etienne knocked out his opponent in 31 seconds to officially begin the Black Rhino's charge to ring greatness. Even in his first pro bouts, the Rhino was raising the eyebrows of boxing aficionados all over the South. Still in his first year, the Black Rhino handily defeated Abdul Muhaymin by throwing over 800 punches en route to an eighth-round unanimous decision. The Rhino quickly began making a name for himself as one of boxing's no-nonsense heavyweights. His eyes were set on Heavyweight supremacy, and he would stop at nothing until he reached his goal. The Rhino stayed busy in 1999, fighting 10 bouts and winning seven of them by knockout. It was also during this time (2000) that Etienne married fellow Louisiana native Tiffany Brown, the day after a second round victory in February. Ever the family man but always the boxer, Etienne was soon back in the gym preparing for what would be an explosive career. To prove his legitimacy, the Black Rhino took on many opponents with impressive records. His most notable victories were over experienced opponents such as Lamon Brewster(23-0), Joey Guy(27-2) and Lawrence Clay-Bey (12-0). Lamon Brewster, although heavily favored and a three time U.S. national amateur champion, lost to the Black Rhino by a convincing unanimous decision on the premier of HBO's KO Nation. Etienne captured the IBA belt from Joey Guy, and the North American Boxing Federation heavyweight title from Cliff Couser on his return to KO Nation by knocking out both opponents in the third round of each fight. It was the Rhino's fight with Clay-Bey, however, that would eventually lead to his contract with Showtime. Etienne's ten-round unanimous decision over Clay-Bey was called the "Best Fight in 2000" in the heavyweight division by the Ring Magazine. Due to his aggressive style and tenacity in the ring, Ring Magazine also declared that Etienne earned the title of "Most Fun to Watch" among the heavyweights in 2000. The notice is definitely deserved, as Etienne is extremely dedicated to his sport and maintains a strong sense of discipline in his life to ensure his boxing success. Although it seems that Etienne eats, sleeps and drinks boxing, there is always Cliff the family man. Cliff and Tiffany Etienne were blessed with baby girl Jacole (Ja-co-lee) in 2000, appropriately nicknamed "baby rhinette" by her mother. When not boxing, Cliff enjoys spending time at home cooking (Cajun food is his specialty) and playing the trumpet or his keyboard (surprisingly well). More importantly, Cliff values the time that he spends with his family. Although Joe Frazier and Marvin Hagler are his idols in the ring, his parents are the ones he admires most outside of the ring. Etienne receives much of his support from his close family unit, including his parents, sister and wife. With another child on the way, Etienne looks to the future and plans on being a positive role model for his children. Although the Black Rhino ultimately wishes to become the undisputed heavyweight champ, he always maintains that his family is his number one priority. Recently acquired in the Rhino's corner is renowned trainer Jack Mosley, father and trainer of welterweight champion "Sugar" Shane Mosley. With his newfound determination, the Black Rhino seems destined at a shot at the title. With his family in his corner and the opportunity to turn his life around, however, Clifford Etienne is already victorious. |
| TYSON TRAINER - latest 6th december 2002 It now looks like Buddy McGirt may not be training Mike Tyson after all and his representatives are already gathering some names and making phone calls as we speak. Names like Freddie Roach, Kenny Adams and Bouie Fisher have been kicked around. TYSON - ETIENNE, official press conferance. November 27th 2002 Click here to view news report and pictures. |
| Tyson - Etienne fight in trouble? 14th February 2003 Mike Tyson, holding camp in Las Vegas, missed his workouts on Thursday and Friday, fueling speculation over the past day or two thatfight with Clifford Etienne in Memphis could be in some trouble. Tyson also missed a day earlier in the week and was in such bad humor that all further press visits were cancelled. Various reports have an enraged Tyson quiting over the amount of an advance payment received, or Tyson being sidelined by the flu and/or a back injury. Tyson also apparently added a large facial tattoo this week. However none of these reports are official and it is unclear about what is really happening. Meanwhile event organizers say they're continuing to prepare for Iron Mike's Sunday arrival and a public workout on Tuesday at the Grand Casino Tunica. Keep checking back here for updates ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Tyson Training Latest News. 22nd January 2003 At the highest levels of professional sports, video analysis is critical. But trainer Freddie Roach has little use for a tape of Mike Tyson's last fight. Roach, a member of the World Boxing Hall of Fame, is training Tyson for his Feb. 22 bout in Memphis, Tenn., against Clifford Etienne. Roach said Tyson hasn't seen the tape of his June 8 fight in Memphis, in which heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis stopped him in the eighth round. "Looking at that would do us no good," Roach said Friday before a workout at the Golden Gloves Gym. "I'm just trying to remind Mike of the fundamentals. He's doing what he does. He was looking for the home run for so long and that one-at-a-time thing doesn't cut it when you're facing the best in the world. "Mike once was a good boxer with a lot of head movement and that's what we're working on getting back to. I don't need him to watch that tape. He admits he didn't fight at all. He's told me his heart wasn't really into it. But we're starting with a new, clean slate and all we're worrying about is what happens from today forward." Roach was in Memphis the night Tyson fought Lewis, working the corner of IBF 122-pound champion Manny Pacquiao. Before the first round of Tyson-Lewis ended, Roach said, he decided to leave the stands and watch from a monitor in the dressing room. After a promising start, Tyson changed styles, and Roach knew the former undisputed champion was in for a long night. "It was one punch at a time, and there was no head movement," Roach said. "It was strange how it changed after that good start. "But we've got to get Mike back to the fundamentals. Because with his power, when he does them, he's extremely effective." Roach is Tyson's third trainer in as many fights. Ronnie Shields prepared Tyson for Lewis, and Tommy Brooks was in Tyson's corner when he fought Brian Nielsen in October 2001. Roach has been working with Tyson for three weeks. He said Tyson weighed 244 pounds when they started and has been working hard to shed pounds and improve his conditioning. Roach said Tyson weighed 229 on Thursday, and his goal is for Tyson to weigh between 220 and 225 on fight night. He said he has no complaints with the effort Tyson is putting forth. "He's doing his road work, he's getting his rounds in, and he's kept a high pace," Roach said. "When he hits the mitts, he has a tendency to want to rest between the combinations, but I've pushed him not to do that and to keep the volume of punches up, and he's responded. "I like what I see. We're doing nothing but focusing on this fight, but this guy still, after everything, has the ability to be the heavyweight champion of the world." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interview with Tysons trainer, Freddie Roach. 16th January 2003 Click HERE to view the interview. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interview with Etiennes Trainer, Buddy McGirt 13th January 2003 Click HERE to read the interview in which Buddy states he thinks Tyson can actually be world champion again, and so certainly is far from being a shot fighter. News for US TV viewers 11th Janurary 2003 US viewers wanting to see the fight CLICK HERE for the latest news on how the fight will be shown..... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Freddie Roach hired as Mike Tyson’s new trainer! 31st December 2002 Mike has now officially hired Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach as his new trainer. Roach is currently in Las Vegas and will begin a six week training program with Tyson to prepare for him for his upcoming bout with Clifford Etienne scheduled for Feb 22nd at the Pyramid Arena in Memphis, Tennessee. Roach has said that he looks forward to the challenge of training Tyson and hopes to help him regain the form that brought him much success in the heavyweight division. When asked what he would do to help Tyson regain his old glory, Roach said, “ I will not try to change him, that is not my style. If I can get him back to where he once was, then he will be fine. I just want to help him be the best he can be. Mike and his team had met with Roach on boxing day and ahve finalised details that now make Roach Tysons new trainer, hopefully not just for the next fight, but much longer term. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TYSON V ETIENNE WILL BE PAY PER VIEW IN UK! 18th December 2002 Mike Tysons next fight, against Cliff Etienne, is going to be available in the UK on PAY PER VIEW. Despite the original decision not to charge viewers for the fight the TV networks have decided they will charge. In the Uk the price of watching the fight will be £14.95 !!! Most of you will agree this is pretty disgusting and I strongly advise that you write a letter of complaint to your TV network if you are having to pay to view this fight. The fight is not a title fight and so it should not be Pay Per View ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TYSON TRAINER - latest 7th december 2002 Hall of Fame boxing trainer Freddie Roach has met with former Heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and Tyson’s manager/advisor Shelly Finkel about the possibility of training Mike Tyson for his upcoming fight and into the future. BoxingTime spoke with Freddie Roach earlier today and he confirmed the meeting and said, “We are close to an agreement. We have not finalized everything yet, but it looks good. I have talked to Shelly Finkel and to Mike and we will meet sometime next week and work things out.” Roach is headed to Japan with Gerry Pensalosa as he fights for the Super Flyweight championship, but looks forward to the possibility of working with Tyson when he returns. Roach told us, “ I want to meet with Mike next week and talk further but he has been real positive, Mike told me that whatever I say goes, there will be one boss and one trainer.” Roach further elaborated saying, “ If I can help him I will be there, if not I won’t. He told me to make sure he works and I will. Mike seems to have a good attitude…he sounds good. If I can earn his respect, he will listen and we will do well.” Tyson is scheduled to return the ring February 22nd against Clifford “the Black Rhino” Etienne in Memphis Tennessee. This will be Tyson’s first return to the ring since his devastating knock out loss to the Lennox Lewis earlier this year. The rematch with Lewis is being negotiated |