Tyson Whipped Into Rare Condition for Freedom Fight With Williams

Freddie Roach and Mike Tyson make an unlikely pairing. But for tonight's contest in Louisville, Kentucky, against the former British and Commonwealth title holder Danny Williams, the diminutive trainer seems to have driven Tyson to a more disciplined preparation for a fight than the former world heavyweight champion has managed in years.

Not only has Tyson shed the ruinously expensive entourage that surrounded him through his glory days; he has also whipped himself into decent condition for a contest he hopes will provide an eye-catching victory to rekindle interest in a career that now spans two decades.

The 44-year-old Roach learned his trade as a coach alongside one of the great names of boxing, Eddie Futch, who died almost three years ago aged 90. Futch, who worked with many champions, always refused overtures to work with Tyson. As a strict disciplinarian Futch found Tyson's excesses unacceptable but Roach says the 38-year-old Tyson seems a changed man.

"A lot of bad things have happened in his life. He has lost his money and it has made him grow up a bit," says Roach. "He's got himself into great shape. Of course there's room for improvement because he's been inactive for so long [his only fight since losing to Lennox Lewis two years ago ended in 49 seconds when he knocked out Clifford Etienne in February 2003], but people are wrong if they say he is a three-round fighter. Mike is ready for 10 rounds if that's what it takes. Already moves are being made to give Tyson a world title shot against the World Boxing Council champion Vitali Klitschko in November next year provided Tyson can stay undefeated.

The promoter Bob Arum is involved in the talks and Tyson's fight schedule could also include a contest with Klitschko's younger brother Vladimir, a former World Box ing Organisation title holder. For Williams, 31, tonight's contest represents an extraordinary opportunity. While his talent is widely recognised, Williams is an underachiever who has failed to deliver at key moments having failed to cope with the pressures that accompany high expectation.

"It is a massive fight for me," he said. "The most important thing Tyson has is intimidation and the main part for me is getting past the first round. I have to stop him coming forward. I expect to be hurt but, if I can win this, I will be set up for life."

But the likelihood is that Tyson will prevail, probably inside the first three rounds to keep alive his hopes of clearing his huge debts, estimated to be around $50m (£27m) and move closer to a title shot.

A relaxed Tyson, suspecting he will have an easy night, has said: "I need to get away from this debt right now. I feel like a slave. I have no freedom."

What is certain is, win or lose, Tyson will still need another payday.