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Boxing Official Gets Tough

October 26, 1999 / 5:34 PM EDT / AP

A member of the Nevada Athletic Commission wants the panel to take a tough stand and fine Mike Tyson for his punch after the bell Saturday night.

The former heavyweight champion and his advisers also should get a "strong" letter from the commission condemning Tyson's actions against Orlin Norris, commissioner Luther Mack said Monday.

Norris went down from the late blow after the first round, hurt his knee and couldn't continue. The fight was declared a no contest, and Tyson's $8.7 million purse is being withheld pending a commission hearing Friday.

"I would be in favor of some kind of fine based on what I saw and how the fight took place," Mack said. "I don't have a number in mind. It has to be a sum that he knows we're serious. We have to make sure we protect the integrity of boxing. We have to take a strong stand."

Mack, a Reno businessman, said referee Richard Steele has right to declare no contest. The ruling was made after a consultation between Steele, ringside physician Dr. Flip Homansky and commission members.

Steele also called the punch an accidental foul, and that is why Tyson was not disqualified. His license was revoked for about 14 months and he was fined $3 million after he bit Evander Holyfield's ears in the third round June 28, 1997.

The commission released Norris' purse, but it withheld Tyson's share. Because of a managerial cut, an IRS lien and legal action, Norris was paid only a little more than $200,000.

Another member of the five-man commission, Glenn Carano of Reno, said he won't make up his mind about what action should be taken until the matter is brought up in public.

"I'm about as displeased with the outcome of the fight as any other fan," Carano said. "You wish a Mike Tyson fight would not end with a controversial situation. Things just seem to follow Mike Tyson around."

Mack said he's concerned about the boxing future of the 33-year-old Tyson.

"He doesn't have too many years left," Mack said. "He has to do a good job if he wants to keep fighting. To do this is a little insulting. This didn't have to happen."