A bite-sized sight
Lolita Harper
COSTA MESA -- Boxer Mike Tyson won fame years ago for literally
twisting the necks of opponents in the ring, after landing a powerful
punch on the jaw of an unassuming foe.
Tyson caused heads to turn on Harbor Boulevard on Friday -- in a less
painful manner -- as he was spotted inspecting his fleet of luxury cars.
Passing cars slowed to a crawl near the corner of Harbor Boulevard and
Hamilton Street as the 35-year-old heavyweight champion could be seen
from the street in the outdoor showroom at Auto Market Lotus of Orange
County.
Tyson, surrounded by an entourage of about half a dozen men, garnered
stares as he checked the interiors, sound systems and other amenities of
a handful of Lamborghinis on site.
One couple, pushing a stroller down the busy thoroughfare, debated on
whether it was Tyson. The Brooklyn native, arguably best known for his
punishing blows in the ring -- and controversial antics outside of it --
was dressed modestly in jeans and a black tank top. His casual dress
prompted the woman to question her companion’s vision.
“That’s not him. Is it? That guy is wearing jeans,” she asked.
Melbrough Williams, the director of security at the luxury dealership,
guarded the fighter well, allowing Tyson to answer only two questions.
Tyson said he has housed his cars in Costa Mesa for years, after
meeting business partner Nader Amirvand, the owner of Auto Market Lotus
of Orange County.
“He stole me away from another car dealer,” Tyson said.
Christopher Rico, a Tyson colleagues, said the fighter took a break
from intensive training in Hawaii to attend the taping of the 16th annual
Soul Train Music Awards in Los Angeles on Wednesday. While in California,
Tyson stopped by Costa Mesa to pick up a Lamborghini from his private
collection, he said.
Tyson is scheduled to fight Lennox Lewis -- inside the ring, anyway --
in June, but the highly touted fight has seen its share of hurdles.
Promoters cannot confirm a location for the fight and are reportedly
having trouble finding $12.5 million to bankroll it.
After a stint in Southern California, complete with a little
luxury-car-cruising, Tyson is headed back to Hawaii for more diligent
training.
* Lolita Harper covers Costa Mesa. She may be reached at (949)
574-4275 or by e-mail at o7 lolita.harper@latimes.comf7 .
All the latest on Orange County from Orange County.
Get our free TimesOC newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Daily Pilot.