MIKE TYSON

In a crowded field, Mike Tyson— the youngest heavyweight champion in history—might be boxing's most controversial character ever, as his run-ins with the law and his opponents' ears will attest. As he prepares to challenge Lennox Lewis for the heavyweight title in Memphis this month (Lewis is promising to end Tyson's career with the fight), he sounds off on the Greek warrior Achilles, famed trainer Cus D'Amato, and his secret desire to be an archaeologist

PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE

What is your greatest fear?

My kids' not liking me.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Alexander the Great.

Which living person do you most admire?

Sidney Poitier.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Sometimes I act like a prima donna.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Selfishness.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Women.

What is your favorite journey?

Going to London.

What do you dislike most about your appearance?

Everything, when I am out of shape.

What is your greatest regret?

That I am not 15 years younger, so that I could go out with a girl from Kansas that I really like. (But she probably wouldn't go out with me, because I am a rogue.)

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My kids.

When and where were you happiest?

Alone with Cus D'Amato when he was telling stories.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I would like to be an archaeologist.

What is your current state of mind?

Focused and ready.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I would like to do a better job of controlling my temper.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Being a father to my children.

If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?

Paul Robeson.

If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be?

Achilles.

Where would you like to live?

London.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Honesty.

What do you most value in your friends?

Loyalty.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?

Achilles.

What is it that you most dislike?

Cowardice.

How would you like to die?

I wouldn't.

What is your motto?

"Be real."