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CNN Live Saturday

Tyson and Lewis to Fight Shortly

Aired June 08, 2002 - 18:26   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CATHERINE CALLAWAY, CNN ANCHOR: Boxing fans all fired up for tonight's much-touted bout between two former champs, Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis.

But, is the big brawl just a bunch of hype? Let's go to CNN's Josie Karp from the site of the fight in Memphis, Tennessee.

She has all the answers for us today. Hey, Josie.

JOSIE KARP, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Catherine. This is a fight that many people thought would never actually happen, but it is now only hours away.

Here at the site, the Pyramid, things are still pretty quiet but I can assure you that out on Beale Street, just a couple of blocks away, the streets are very crowded. And, you can get a real sense that there is some excitement building.

We actually haven't seen the two participants, Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis, since Thursday, when each had an individual weigh-in.

And, at that time, Lennox Lewis really played up to his reputation. He appeared very relaxed, almost too relaxed. And the same thing for Mike Tyson in terms of playing up to his reputation. He seemed very anxious, almost too anxious because it was still two days away.

Both boxers have had now 48 hours to let their own anticipation build, and both say when they do step into the ring tonight, they will each bring with them the element of fear.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MIKE TYSON: I mean, if you're not a little nervous, you're not in a winning position. You know -- because it should enhance your ability -- then your adrenaline gets to flowing into your system -- it should just enhance you as an individual -- the animal -- we all possess it -- it's just how we train it, contain it, so to speak.

LENNOX LEWIS: We both have a little fear -- you know -- in the sense that, he fears me. I fear the fact that -- you know -- I don't want to lose. And, he must have a fear factor in there. He's always had it. I think fear, which is going to help us do the best job that we can. Especially me. You know. A little fear is going to help me. (END VIDEO CLIP)

KARP: The city of Memphis has lived in a little bit of fear all week long, as well, that something might go wrong, security-wise, to this point. Actually, everything has gone very smoothly.

Of course, the biggest test is what happens tonight before, during, and after this bout. I recently talked to the police director, Walter Crews (ph), and he told me that they are prepared for just about any eventuality, including some sort of mishap in the ring.

CALLAWAY: All right, thank you. CNN's Josie Karp. Thank you, Josie.

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