Confident Tyson predicts a Williams knockout

Mike Tyson arrived in Louisville yesterday and immediately predicted that he would knock out Britain's Danny Williams when they meet on Friday.

Tyson, dressed in a Brazilian football shirt, brushed through the airport, answering a few questions from a band of reporters before departing in a limousine.

The 38-year-old former heavyweight champion and convicted rapist arrived via a private flight, pronounced himself in great shape and anxious to take on Williams.

"I'm just ecstatic to be here," Tyson said. "I'm looking forward to doing my part and giving them a good show."

Friday's fight will be the first of a two-year, seven-match plan to help Tyson get out of more than $25m (£13.5m) worth of debt but, according to Julius Francis, he could be in for a surprise.

Francis has fought both Tyson and Williams and has backed his fellow Londoner to spring a momentous upset in the heavyweight division.

"I believe Danny can go out there and cause an upset because he has absolutely nothing to lose. As much as I like and admire Tyson I think he is five or six years past his best," said Francis who beat Williams on points to claim the British title in 1999 but lasted just four minutes in a five knockdown fight against Tyson the following year.



"The years are catching up on Tyson and wear and tear is inevitable," he added. "And I believe Danny can rise to the occasion."

BoxingMike TysonMalcolm Knox
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