Wednesday, Feb. 28, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.
Strategy, as a topic of discussion, was out of the question. How Frank Bruno would handle Mike Tyson's power or how Tyson would nullify Bruno's determination were subjects left for another day.
At this press conference, it was all about gamesmanship. And maybe a little intimidation.
Tyson and Bruno, combatants March 16 at the MGM Grand Garden, had little to say Tuesday about the specifics of their upcoming fight. Pushed on stage before a smattering of media as well as an assortment of friends, the fighters themselves weren't as feisty as those in their entourage.
Tyson had virtually nothing of consequence to say, while Bruno offered only a token jab.
"I rocked him (in 1989, when the two fought at the Las Vegas Hilton, Tyson winning by TKO in the fifth round)," Bruno said, "and this time I'm going to rock him to sleep."
That remark did serve to touch off a minor joust between the fighters' handlers.
"Look how crazy you're talking," said one of Tyson's co-managers, John Horne, as he addressed Bruno. "You've been knocked out four or five times since Mike knocked you out. You might end up dead on the 16th."
That incensed Bruno's trainer, George Francis.
"Remember, these men are paid by Mike Tyson," he said, rising from his chair.
When the media attempted to draw the fighters back into the fray, Tyson resisted.
"I won't get involved in the pissing contest," he said.
He was barely involved in the press conference, waiting in the wings until Bruno had been ushered to his seat and later demonstrating his indifference by resting his head on the dais as promoter Don King went through introductions. When it was over, Tyson stopped briefly at the side of the stage to respond to a question or two before exiting.
As is becoming almost habitual, the responses he did give were noticeably vague.
Asked if Bruno will serve as a legitimate test, or if Bruno is the first real challenge in his comeback after a three-year absence from the sport, Tyson was noncommittal. "There's not much I can say," he said. "I'm in great shape. I think I'll be better able to answer those questions March 16."
His best effort: "I'm going to beat Frank Bruno. I beat him once, I beat him before, I can beat him again." And, after the situation was at its liveliest, Tyson said: "It's interesting that Mr. Bruno is talking very brave and courageous, but we'll see ..."
Tickets for the card still remain in the $800 and $1,000 categories. Bruno, the World Boxing Council champion, is a 34-year-old Englishman with a 40-4 record that includes 38 knockouts. Tyson, 29, is 43-1 with 37 KOs.
The odds in the MGM sports book have remain unchanged, with Tyson a minus 1000 favorite and Bruno a plus 700 underdog. The round proposition is five.
King suggested the fight would be one for the ages.
"This doesn't need a lot of hype," he said. "There's a lot of history here, a lot of human interest. It's going to be one of the greatest fights ever. You can cut the enthusiasm with a knife."
While the latter belief was arguable Tuesday, those on the periphery were doing their best to shake things up.
"Bruno couldn't beat Mike Tyson in 100 years," said Tyson co-manager Rory Holloway. "Mike's been kicking ass for a long time and nothing's changed."
No, nothing has changed. When Tyson had heard enough, he rose, signaling the end of the press conference. Bruno may be the champion, but Tyson made it clear that he's the one calling the shots.
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