Tyson throws punchlin Heavyweight match one day away The Michigan Daily-Thursday, January 21, 1988- Page 9 g at Holmes -- By JOSHUA RAY LEVIN Special to the Daily ATLANTIC CITY - The Holmes-Tyson pre- fight press conference became an international event yesterday at Trump's Plaza Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. Friday night's bout between undisputed world champion Mike Tyson (31-0, 28 knockouts) and former World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation champion Larry Holmes (48- 2, 34 knockouts) headlines a fight card featuring boxers from five countries and Puerto Rico. Television coverage begins Friday night at 10 on HBO. Las Vegas odds are favoring Tyson by as much as 8-to-l. THE MAIN FEATURE, billed as "heavyweight history" by promoter Don King, represents a big payday for both fighters, with Holmes receiving roughly 3 million dollars and Tyson getting 3.6 million, plus a percentage of the gate receipts. Friday's fight also offers vindication for Holmes, who retired in disgrace after two 1985 losses to "people's champion" Michael Spinks. Tension has been high between the two box- ers ever since they exchanged heated words at a press conference announcing the fight. Holmes has participated in only one of the three pre-fight media gatherings, but did grant an interview for a feature article in last week's Sports Illustrated. Tyson, however, was the star of yesterday af-j ternoon's press luncheon. After lengthy introductions by promoter King, Tyson stood and answered questions from the media. The most common questions regarded Holmes absence from the press conference, Tyson's health and fitness, and the prospect of a future Tyson-Spinks matchup. When asked about his opponent's seclusion, Tyson said, "From his perspective he's very serious... It's no secret he sometimes speaks be- fore his brain is in motion. It's better for every- one - no one has time for bar room epithets." TYSON was referring to the embarrassing remarks Holmes made after losing to Spinks, in- cluding insults to former champion and legendary heavyweight Rocky Marciano. "Marciano couldn't carry my jockstrap," was just one com- ment Holmes made at the time. Tyson did add however, "He (Holmes) is one of the greatest champions of all times. I always wanted him to win (his title defenses)." Other questions about Holmes revolved around his age (38) and his two-year retirement. Earlier in the luncheon, WBC chairperson Jose Su- laiman assured reporters that Holmes had easily passed all of the extensive medical tests required, including a CAT-scan and an electrocardiogram. The 21-year-old Tyson disagreed with one re- porter's assessment of Holmes as a washed-up fighter. "He has to be respected," the champion said. Tyson also dispelled speculation that he is not in top shape and said that he had not suffered a broken nose in training last week. "We put in a hard six weeks - we're going to do it," the champion said confidently. "I'm in the best shape of my life." TYSON acknowledged that he had been bleeding from his nose recently, but when asked said that it was not broken and that it had not bled in three days. When asked to name the round he expected the fight to end, Tyson replied, "I'm not a predictor, but I assure you of victory." As for the rumors of an impending match with Spinks, Tyson said only that, "I take one fight at a time." When asked if he minded Spinks' self-appointed title, Tyson laughed and said, "I'm satisfied. He can be the people's champ." Tyson also said he'd be more than happy to fight Spinks in a proposed winner-take-all bout. "If he wants (a fight) that bad, we'll fight for nothing in a cellar," the champion concluded. Other boxers on Friday's fight card include Jose Flores, of Uruguay, and Carlos DeLeon, of Puerto Rico, for DeLeon's WBC cruiserweight championship. Also on the card are John "The Beast" Mugabe and former heavyweight contender Michael Dokes, both attempting comebacks. dePourcq of Ferris is grade A -Associated Press Mike Tyson predicted yesterday that he will beat Larry Holmes in their match Friday night. Holmes did not show up at their pre-fight press con- ference. LS&A SCHOLARSHIP LS&A Scholarship applications for Spring-Summer 1988 and Fall-Winter 1988-89 are now available in 1402 Mason Hall. To qualify for scholarship consideration, a student must be an LS&A undergraduate. and have completed one full term in LS&A. Sophomores must have a U of M grade point of 3.7 or better and Juniors and Seniors must have a GPA of at least 3.6. The awards are based on financial need and on academic merit. By DOUGLAS VOLAN For most newcomers in the Cen- tral Collegiate Hockey Association, the transition from junior hockey is a difficult one. Not so for John dePourcq of Fer- ris State, who has handled that move with everything but problems. The British Columbia native is currently tied for tenth in the CCHA in scor- ing, with 31 points, while his 15 goals are tops for CCHA rookies. "He's obviously one of the top freshman in the league," said Michi- gan coach Red Berenson. "He's made a real difference to that team." After finishing eighth in the league last season with a 9-23 record, the-Bulldogs have improved to 7-1 1-4, good for sixth place. "We're in a process of rebuild- ing," said Ferris State coach John Perpich. "And dePourcq has been a vital ingredient in that rebuilding. Despite being a freshman, he ranks among the better centers in the league. IRe's a mature player who works hard and makes things hap- pen." Michigan can certainly vouch for that. When the two teams met in early November, dePourcq scored UM News in The Daily 764-0552 four goals to help Ferris State split a series with the Wolverines. "It's unreal that he has that many points as a freshman," said Michigan defenseman Todd Copeland. "He seems to have a knack for the net." "HE'S DEFINITELY a gifted offensive player," added Michigan center Todd Brost who was a former teammate of dePourcq's at Penticton in the junior hockey league. "He re- ally improved at Penticton and that carried over to his first year (in the CCHA)." Indeed, playing for Penticton was a valuable experience for dePourcq. "I learned a lot from that team," said dePourcq. "That's what helped me in my adjustment. It was a big jump getting used to the hitting and mov- ing the puck so fast. I had to work hard." "For freshmen, the biggest thing is confidence," said Michigan first- year player Billy Jaffe. "A lot of players come (into the CCHA) being stars, but they need to get confidence in division one. (dePourcq) got his right away." Standing at 5-8 and weighing 165 pounds, dePourcq is cast in a short and stocky mold, much like that of Wolverine centers Brost and Rob Brown. As a result, hard work has become a necessity for the Bulldog standout. "Sometimes being smaller can be a problem," said dePourcq. "I just have to work harder and try not to worry about it." dePourcq, however, still makes his presence felt on the ice. "He's such a hustler," said Jaffe. "He's re- ally quick and pesky. I wouldn't want a guy like dePourcq all over me." Unfortunately for Jaffe and the rest of his teammates, dePourcq will be all over Michigan this weekend, despite having personal ties with many of the Wolverines. "Michigan is going to be really tough. (Michigan's) a real good team. But I have a lot of friends on Michigan, and it's going to be great playing against them. It will be a lot of fun playing against Brostie (Brost), Sharps (Warren Sharples) and Sorney (Mark Sorensen)," he said. Brost ... afraid of dePourcq I I Fri., Jan. 22 The University of Michigan SCHOOL OF MUSIC Faculty Carillon Recital Margo Halsted, University Carillonneur Music of Bach and Handel Burton Memorial Tower, 7:00 p.m. FREE. Collage Concert An hour of nonstop music, including excerpts from Orffs Carmina Burana, Stravinsky's Rite ofS ring, Fri., Jan. 22 Immediate Occupancy For Winter Term All apartments located on central campus Flexable Terms Maximum Space for Minimum Price Lots of Parking st, Ann Arbor We Pay Heat 721 S. Fore r7R1 I_1 flfl 1700 Geddes, Ann Arbor 15 Hill, Ann Arbor and others... ~ ~" (313) "761-15'L' 543 Church Stree Ann Arbor, Ml 48104 WHAT HAVE YOU GOT TO LOSE ? UM EXERCISE, NUTRITION & WEIGHT CONTROL CLINIC PROGRAMS BEGIN JANUARY 25 .BODY FAT TESTING .EXERCISE* BEIIAVIOR MODIFICATION-DIETING .CHOLESTEROL TESTING .LIFESTYLE CHANGES*METABOLIC ASSESSMENT Handel's The Royal Fireworks, Bernstein's Candide, others. Featuring School of Music ensembles and soloists. Hill Auditorium, 8:15 p.m. FREE. For up-to-date program information on School of Music events call the 24-Hour Music Hotline, 7634726 COME JOP OUR STAFF The University of .- ;nigan Housing Division RESIDENCE HALL POSITIONS 1988-89 ThemHousing Division is looking for well-qualified tes to serve as resident staff members in Residence Halls. We specifically .. .r for students interested in: -Serving as positive academic and c .1jing role models -Fostering a spirit of community -Developing and strengthening leadership, communication and group skills and -Developing programs for a diverse student population. THERE WILL BE TWO INFORMATION MEETINGS: Sunday, January 24,1988--1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 26, 1988 - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. IN AUDITORIUM 3 - MODERN LANGUAGE BUILDING Representatives from the Housing Division will be there to provide information and answer questions regarding candidate qualifications, selection processes and job expectations. Applications are available only at these meetings. ALL NEW APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND ONE OF THESE MEETINGS An Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer ',I.-R.R f F C: E1.r" V UAC/MUSKET PRESENT AND F T HE --i MASS MEETING Tuesday, Jan 26 t 8pm Kuenzel Room 14J~ fz SIGN UP NOW !!! 3050 CCB CALL 764-1342 Sponsored by: Advanced Fitness Training Center Department of Kinesiology Adult Lifestyle Program too~7 I M "