Mike Tyson vs. Lou Savarese
Mike Tyson vs. Lou Savarese, billed as Tyson's Back, was a professional boxing match contested on June 24, 2000.
Background
Mike Tyson embarked on a comeback in 1999, marking his return to the ring after a nine-month hiatus, primarily due to a four-month prison sentence. His comeback journey began with a victory on January 16, 1999, when he knocked out former world title challenger Francois Botha in the fifth round. Following this, Tyson faced former WBA Cruiserweight champion Orlin Norris, but their bout ended in a no-contest due to an accidental punch that landed after the bell.Three months later, Tyson had his first-ever fight in the United Kingdom, defeating British journeyman Julius Francis by a second-round knockout. In February 2000, Tyson announced his next opponent, fringe contender Lou Savarese. Initially slated for Milan in May, the bout was postponed after Tyson reportedly needed more time to train. The fight was then moved to Hampden Park in Glasgow, and rescheduled for 24 June. The decision to allow Tyson back into the United Kingdom sparked protests due to his prior rape conviction, but Glasgow City Council ultimately voted 10–1 in favor of permitting the match to proceed.
The fights
Undercard
The undercard saw Commonwealth heavyweight champion Danny Williams stop Craig Bowen Price in the 1st round. Adam Watt defeat Bruce Scott by 4th round stoppage to win the vacant Commonwealth cruiserweight title.Former WBC super middleweight champion Robin Reid made his return to ring to the ring after 16 months, following his split decision loss to Joe Calzaghe, against Silvio Branco. Branco would upset Reid with a unanimous decision victory.
Judah vs. Witter
In the chief support, IBF light welterweight champion Zab Judah faced late replacement Junior Witter. Judah was originally set to face British light welterweight champion Jason Rowland however he was forced to pull out after one of his pitbull terriers bit off part of his left index finger.The fight
It would prove to be an awkward fight for Judah, as Witter rarely engaged in an extended exchange of punches. The challenger would also frequently switch between fighting right-handed and left-handed, making him an elusive opponent. Judah's consistent body punching slowed Witter down, and in the fifth round, Judah caught Witter with a straight left hand that hurt Witter and sent his mouthpiece skittering across the ring.The fight went the full 12 rounds, where Judah defeated Witter by unanimous decision. the scorecards reading 116–112, 118–111 and 118–110.