Tyson turned down by state commision

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Mike Tyson was denied another chance Tuesday by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

Accompanied by a four-member team of advisers, Tyson was told his recent actions have "diminished the sport" and his "lack of control" has cost him a chance to fight Lennox Lewis in Las Vegas for the heavyweight title on April 6.

Following closing remarks, the five-member board seemed ready to reject Tyson's application. But top adviser Bob Fess asked for a brief recess, then requested that the board withdraw his request for reinstatement.

Board member John Bailey moved to withdraw the application but failed to garner any support and the commission went ahead with a 4-1 vote against Tyson.

Fess' strategy was a wise one since Tyson would have a better chance of being licensed elsewhere if he was not rejected by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

The hearing was to decide whether or not Tyson would receive the license that was revoked following the 1997 fight in which he bit Evander Holifield's ear.

As the commission was quick to point out, Tuesday's gathering was not precipitated by last week's brawl in New York, where Tyson attacked Lewis during what his side claimed was a scripted faceoff.

Tuesday's 2 1/2-hour hearing -- the last item of the day for the board -- began at 4:35 p.m. EST because Tyson was five minutes late. He entered with a smirk but quickly had the smile wiped off his face.