Mike Tyson
Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2012 8:47 pmInteresting question - do you let him in or not?
NZ revoking visa not a 'fair fight'- Mike Tyson
October 07, 20128:56AM
Boxer Mike Tyson has hit back at New Zealand's decision to revoke his visa over his rape conviction.
FORMER heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson is questioning the justice of his ban from New Zealand, saying he wanted a fair fight.
Tyson was due to appear at the Day of the Champions motivational speaking event in Auckland next month but his special visitor's visa was cancelled only days after being issued because of his rape conviction.
In London on a promotional visit this weekend, Tyson said the New Zealand people had wanted him to come.
"I just wanted to go down there and just have a show," Tyson told Associated Press.
"Unfortunately that had to happen - it's one of those things in life that happens. It's life on life's terms and everyone has to deal with that and those uncertainties.
"If it was a fair organisation, a fair fight I would be there, but I got vetoed by the higher power."
Tyson served three years in prison for the 1991 rape of an 18-year-old woman in an Indianapolis hotel room.
He insisted the negative experiences in his life had shaped his character.
"Anything that I would have got away from, being in prison, having fights, biting (Evander) Holyfield; (the) lack of that, my life would be miserable," Tyson said as he launched a new range of boxing gear.
The promoter for Tyson's visit, Max Markson, has said he plans to re-apply for Tyson's visa.
"We are still selling tickets. I still hope to bring him to New Zealand. I sincerely hope the New Zealand government will reconsider and allow him into the country."