[2] Since returning to boxing in January 1999, former Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson was undefeated in the five fights he had fought between 1999 and 2000, notching three knockout wins over Francois Botha, Julius Francis and Lou Savarese, and fighting two no-contests with Orlin Norris and Andrew Golota.

[6] As such, Tyson moved on from his planned match with Izon and instead agree to meet Danish fighter Brian Nielsen,[7] whose 62–1 record was one of the most impressive in boxing history, but a large majority of his fights had come against either little-known journeymen or former contenders who were past their prime (including former Tyson adversaries Tony Tubbs, Larry Holmes and Orlin Norris).

Tyson would continue to dominate the remainder of the fight and by the end of sixth round, Nielsen's left eye, which had been cut in the second, was completely shut.

As the bell rang to start the seventh round, Nielsen remained seated in his corner and informed referee Steve Smoger that he could not continue.

Two days later, Tyson announced the cancellation of his match with Mercer and his intentions to proceed with his long awaited title shot against Lewis.