Mike Tyson was cleared of sexual assault charges yesterday, clearing the way for his June 8th bout with Lennox Lewis in Washington, DC. The Tyson camp has been looking for a venue to stage the fight, which was originally scheduled for April but was postponed when the Nevada Boxing Commission denied Tyson a boxing license.

The fact that boxing needs Mike Tyson, who has been nothing but a public relations nightmare, demonstrates the difficulties the sport is facing. What was once glamorous competition has fallen way behind other sports in terms of popularity. Many will argue that boxing has no place in a civilized society, and others consider it to be more of a laughingstock than a serious sport.

This hour, the state of boxing in the 21st century. Has pugilism outlived its purpose? Is there hope for one of the world’s oldest sports?

Guests:

James Jones, Reporter at WAMU in Washington, DC

Wilbert “Skeeter” McClure, Jr., Olympic Gold Medalist 1960, psychologist

former Massachusetts Boxing Commissioner

Charlie Pierce, weekly Contributor to “Only a Game”, writer-at-large for Esquire Magazine