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 .