Tyson ref spells out his ring rules

The third man in the ring when Mike Tyson squares up to Andrew Golota here on Friday is to warn both heavyweights that their boxing careers will be destroyed if they fight dirty.

Referee Frank Garza today revealed how he intends to remind the sport's two most controversial boxers just what is at stake when the bell for the first round of their non-title fight in the Palace Arena.

Garza, who will talk to both fighters an hour before the start of a potentially explosive bout, said: "I want them to understand the rules, and I want them to know what I will and will not tolerate.

"This is a chance for both of them to absolve themselves of any controversy or notoriety they may have had in their careers.

"If they go forward and fight gallantly and clean, they will still have a career even if they lose. If they fight dirty and cheap, they are going to end up losing their career even if they win."

As a senior operator for the Buckeye Pipeline Company in Michigan, 48-year-old Garza is well acquainted with handling hazardous products such as oil and jet fuels. But they are nothing compared to the volatile nature of Tyson and Golota.

Tyson, 34, is notorious for biting a chunk out of the ear of Evander Holyfield. But since January of last year the former undisputed champion of the world has also attempted to break the arm of Frans Botha, struck Orlin Norris after the bell, and floored British referee John Coyle during a fight against Lou Savarese in Glasgow.

Golota, the 32 - year-old from Warsaw has also bitten one opponent, Samon Po'uha, butted another, Danell Nicholson, and was twice disqualified against Riddick Bowe for hitting below the belt.

Garza, who has yet to disqualify a boxer in eight years of regular refereeing, insisted he is ready to do so if Tyson or Golota commit what he calls a "capital crime".