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Canada receives King-size praise
Despite his many legal battles with the U.S. government, and in particular the Internal Revenue Service, King is constantly heard chanting: "God Bless America! The greatest planet on Earth!"
But for once yesterday, the high minister of hype took some time to praise another country, Canada.
Halfway through one of his "Okay, USA" sermons, King was informed he was speaking to a Canadian. Without missing a beat, the Cleveland-born promoter began screaming the virtues of the country north of the border, pointing out how slaves used the underground railroad to escape to freedom in Canada prior to the American civil war, as did young men avoiding the Vietnam draft.
"Thank God for Canada!" King boomed. "The citadel of justice! I want to make my country better so we don't have to keep fleeing to your country."
ONE FIGHT IS ENOUGH: Officials at the MGM Grand, site of tonight's Mike Tyson-Evander Holyfield heavyweight fight, are gearing up for potential trouble, namely from gang members who traditionally attend these bouts.
After the Tyson-Bruce Seldon fight at the Grand on Sept. 7, 1996, a number of fights broke out in the hotel. Shortly after, rap star Tupac Shakur, who had attended the match, was gunned down near the strip.
In response to potential security problems, 240 Las Vegas police officers and an unnamed number of MGM security staff will be deployed at the fight.
"After the Seldon fight, they had to close down half the casino when people started to riot," said an MGM bartender.
STAR-GAZING: As usual, tonight's heavyweight title bout will attract some of the biggest names from Hollywood and sports, including Tiger Woods, Wesley Snipes, Cuba Gooding Jr., Sly Stallone, Al Pacino, Madonna and Shaquille O'Neal.