TYSON BACK IN RING; WITH ASSIST BY MAGIC, EX-CHAMP GIVEN SECOND CHANCE.

Byline: Tim Dahlberg Associated Press 

Mike Tyson won the biggest split decision of his life. Now, with the help of a certain former basketball player, he could be back in the ring before the year ends.

``I'm just happy I won,'' Tyson said after the Nevada Athletic Commission voted 4-1 on Monday to return the license it revoked when he bit Evander Holyfield's ears 15 months ago.

With Magic Johnson and Muhammad Ali backing him up, Tyson seemed near tears upon learning he would be allowed to return from his boxing exile.

He promised to put his life in order as he prepares to return to the sport he loves and the heavyweight division he once terrorized.

When he does, Johnson says he will replace the spiky-haired Don King as Tyson's new promoter and help guide the career and troubled personal life of the 32-year-old former heavyweight champion.

``I'll be the closest guy to him, making all the decisions,'' Johnson said.

The first decision will be when Tyson fights again. He could box at a Las Vegas casino as early as Dec. 5, although Johnson said it will not be against a top opponent.

``We're going to be bringing Mike along very slowly,'' Johnson said. ``Don't be looking for him to be fighting these champions.''

It was a contrite and thoroughly humbled Tyson who appeared before the commission and a crowd of a few hundred Monday in a repeat of a hearing a month ago that went on for six hours before commissioners ordered psychological tests for Tyson before making a decision.

This time, though, it was a far different atmosphere as Tyson sat with his wife, Monica, and lawyer, Jim Jimmerson before the five-member panel. Gone were other attorneys who presented the case in the first meeting and adviser Shelly Finkel, who irritated the commission by trying to get licensed in New Jersey in August.

Tyson and his wife both spoke to the commission instead of the lawyers. Johnson then gave a plea and Ali's wife, Lonnie, read a statement from her husband, who sat trembling next to her.

``I have made many mistakes in my lifetime that cost me dearly,'' Ali said in the statement. ``Let this young man earn a living. Give him a chance to redeem himself in the ring.''

In the end, the commission did just that, voting quickly after the three hours of testimony to restore the license revoked after Tyson shocked the world by biting Holyfield's ears during their June 28, 1997 heavyweight title fight.

``Mike, you have made a lot of mistakes in your life,'' said commission chairman Dr. Elias Ghanem. ``I know that sometimes you think you're a victim. But let me tell you that most of your problems are of your own making. You and you alone have to take responsibility for your life.''

At only one point did Tyson appear to be losing his temper, when he was questioned by commissioner James Nave, who cast the only dissenting vote. His wife tapped him on the leg to try to keep him from talking further as he sparred verbally with Nave.

``I'm at your mercy,'' Tyson told Nave. ``Please don't torture me any longer, sir.''

For half of the meeting, five doctors from Massachusetts General Hospital gave their evaluation of Tyson, who underwent five days of psychological testing there last month.

The lead doctor, Ronald Schouten, said Tyson is in need of extensive psychotherapy and needs to learn how to control his emotions and anger. Tyson is also depressed and might have to take medication for that if the therapy doesn't work, the doctor said.

Still, Schouten said, he doesn't believe Tyson will snap again in the ring.

``The sanction of losing his license has been devastating,'' Schouten said. ``I think that gets through and it has with Mr. Tyson. He wants his job back.''

Tyson's wife admitted Tyson can lose his temper and said he did just that when the two were involved in a minor traffic accident in Maryland on Aug. 31. But she said she never saw Tyson attack the two men, as they have claimed.

Tyson also answered questions about the fender-bender, which he said happened after he and his wife worked out at a local gym and were on their way to look at a motorcycle Tyson wanted to buy.

Tyson faces misdemeanor charges at a Dec. 1 trial, although Jimmerson said settlement talks are still under way.

CAPTION(S):

2 Photos

PHOTO (1--Color) Mike Tyson fields questions after his reinstatement hearing Monday in Las Vegas.

Jim Laurie/Associated Press

(2) Mike Tyson lost his Nevada boxing license after biting Evander Holyfield's ears last June 28.

Jack Smith/Associated Press