Tyson takes swing at TV concert special
Isometimes mention popular shows or headliners under the header “What works in Vegas.” Mike Tyson works in Vegas. Tyson’s “Undisputed Truth: Round 2” has sold out consistently in two runs at Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club at the MGM Grand. Tyson had been considering a return to the 250-seat club this fall. Not happening, at least not this year.
Instead, Tyson is working on a concert special of his popular and fascinating one-man show. A Tyson rep said this week, “As much as Mike enjoyed his residency at MGM, he’s taking time off to work on a televised run of his one-man show, ‘Mike Tyson Undisputed Truth: Round 2,’ in addition to his cannabis company Tyson Ranch. Mike plans to return for a residency in the future.”
The live version of “Undisputed Truth” is an SPI Entertainment production. The show was most recently performed Nov. 20, with none other than Melanie “Mel B” Brown in attendance.
Kiki Tyson, Mike’s wife and co-producer of “Undisputed Truth,” said the couple are still seeking an interested network, and several are said to be interested, given Tyson’s ongoing international appeal. SPI Entertainment Chief Executive Officer Adam Steck said the Hollywood Pantages Theatre is among the favored venues for the live recording.
Tyson’s show is remarkable for its focused script and for its unpredictability. Helped by vintage video footage and some silly props (including a Mitch “Blood” Green dreadlock wig), Tyson excitedly recites the travails of his career. Every so often, you feel he might experience a Trevor Berbick flashback and just start flinging combinations.
This is what makes the show a must for any boxing fan.
Tyson next steps into the ring, metaphorically, for a speaking engagement Dec. 1 and 2 in Bangkok. He will appear in the “Success Events: The Missing Secrets to Success” motivational event. Also on the all-star bill of inspirational speakers: Jack Canfield, author of the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series; Joe Vitale of “The Secret” spiritual-awareness series; 35-yearold real estate billionaire Andres Pira; and 2005 Miss Universe Natalie Glebova.
Tyson is raking in a $300,000 fee for this appearance, about triple the industry standard for such events.
As for Tyson Ranch, the exchamp’s 40-acre marijuana ranch in California City, it’s operated under the investment group Tyson Holistics and represents something of a full (squared) circle in Tyson’s career. His October 2000 TKO victory over Andrew Golota was subsequently ruled “no contest” after Tyson tested positive for … marijuana.
Britney Inc.
Britney Spears is not merely an entertainer. She’s a one-woman corporation.
Spears’ 2017 earnings have been made public during her custody battle with ex-husband, ex-dancer and current DJ Kevin Federline. In financial records reported by “Entertainment Tonight,” Spears earned $56.6 million in 2017.
We can credit Spears’ residency at the Axis theater, which ended Dec. 31, and her worldwide tour for those staggering numbers. Reportedly, Federline has reviewed Spears’ earning power and sought an increase in child-support payments from the $20,000 per month he has been allotted to $60,000.
The couple’s children are 12-year-old Sean Preston and 11-year-old Jayden James.
Federline states in court documents he earns $36,000 per year as a professional DJ. He and Spears have agreed on dual custody, but the current dispute stems from Spears’ interest in taking the boys more often and for longer periods of time. Also according to published reports, Spears is questioning where and how the $20,000 per month she has been sending to Federline is being spent.
Spears continues to pay her father, Jamie Spears, $128,000 per month as her conservator. She is expected to return to the Strip for a residency production at the Park Theater in 2019.
Underwood is expecting …
Both a baby, and a tour. Country superstar Carrie Underwood announced that she and her husband, ex-nashville Predators star Mike Fisher, are expecting their second child. She also released the tour dates for her “Cry Pretty” tour, which opens May 1 in Greensboro, North Carolina, and visits the MGM Grand Garden on May 11. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. Aug. 17.
Underwood announced the addition to her family and the new tour on her Instagram page. The baby will join the couple’s 3-year-old son, Isaiah Michael.
Underwood offered via social media to sing the national anthem for the Golden Knights at T-mobile Arena during the Stanley
Cup Playoffs. If the Golden Knights advance again next season, her appearance might coincide with a playoff game. A long shot maybe, but as we have learned with the Golden Knights, don’t rule it out.
Contact John Katsilometes at jkatsilometes@ reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @ Johnnykats1 on Instagram. As of 9 p.m. Wednesday:
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Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval is getting married on Saturday to Lauralyn Mccarthy of Las Vegas.
3. Nevada Assembly candidate Dennis Hof loses brothel license
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4. Court records show man was training children for school shootings
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A pair of 26-foot-tall showgirls now greet northbound visitors to downtown Las Vegas, part of a roughly $400,000 sign display. As of 9 p.m. Wednesday:
1. Ride new Interstate 11 segment in one minute
Interstate 11 opens to the public Thursday.
2. Strip gunman Stephen Paddock’s houses in Mesquite and Reno are on the market
Strip gunman Stephen Paddock’s house in Mesquite went on the market recently for $449,000.
3. Vegas Nation: Day 2 of joint practice
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