MEMPHIS, Feb. 22 (UPI) -- After a long and trying week for both fighters, Mike Tyson made quick work of Clifford Etienne Saturday night.
Tyson's fading championship hopes got a badly needed boost from a stunning knockout as the former champion stopped Etienne just 49 seconds into the opening round of their heavyweight bout Saturday night at The Pyramid.
In flashing some of the brute power that characterized his run as champion, Tyson remained unbeaten in 38 non-title bouts and kept alive his hopes for a summer meeting with recognized champion Lennox Lewis.
After both fighters collided to the canvas in the opening seconds of the bout, Tyson (50-4, 44 KOs) landed one of his trademark devastating blows.
Etienne (24-2-1) missed with a left-right combination and was off balance a bit when beginning to throw a right. Tyson countered with a right cross to the jaw that buckled Etienne's knees.
Etienne could not beat the count, giving Tyson had his 22nd first-round knockout.
