St. Louis a contender for Tyson's next fight

With former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson expected to climb back into the ring for the first time in more than a year, St. Louis apparently has emerged as a top contender for the bout.

Tyson manager Shelly Finkel told FightNews.com that the Gateway City and Louisville, Ky., are the front-runners to host Tyson's next fight, perhaps July 31 against journeyman Kevin McBride.

Tyson, who turns 38 next month, last week got a boxing contestant's license from Missouri's regulatory Office of Athletics, its administrator said Wednesday. Tim Lueckenhoff said Tyson's camp did not specify a date for any fight, and McBride has not applied for a similar license in Missouri.

"All that I've heard about the date is what's been reported in the media," Lueckenhoff said.

In Kentucky, officials are keeping Louisville's Freedom Hall unbooked for July 31, pending a decision on the fight.

Tyson and his advisers visited Louisville last summer. Officials there expect a decision within a week.

Possible St. Louis venues for a Tyson-McBride bout include the Edward Jones Dome and the Savvis Center. Representatives of both downtown arenas said Wednesday they have not been approached about a possible Tyson fight.

-- AP