Tyson's past, mouth come back to bite him
Sport's doors continue to close for former champ
Slightly more than two years ago, Mike Tyson had a succession of doors slammed in his face as he traveled from state to state trying to become licensed to fight again.
Tennessee finally obliged, and Tyson lined his pockets with gold, although he was beaten badly by then-world champion Lennox Lewis at the Pyramid in Memphis.
Embarrassed by Danny Williams in 2004, Tyson suffered a knee injury that required surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation. Many thought that loss signaled the end of Tyson's career.
He's now back in training — with another new man in tow, former world champion Jeff Fenech — and in search of a venue to stage, yes, another comeback bout.
But it's as though the former undisputed world heavyweight champion has been transported back to 2002-03. Another door apparently has been slammed in his face.
Fenech lives in Australia and was hoping to get Tyson down there to train and fight later this year.
But Peter McGauran, Australia's acting immigration minister, reportedly has indicated that Tyson would be denied a work visa because he couldn't meet the country's character requirements.
As evidence, McGauran has cited an interview Tyson did with Fox News Channel's Greta Van Susteren in 2003.
In that interview, Tyson talked of his anger at the mother of Desiree Washington, the beauty pageant contestant he was convicted of raping in a case that led to his 3 1/2 -year prison sentence.
Tyson, who still maintains his innocence, told Van Susteren he was so angry at Washington, he felt like "raping her and her mother."
McGauran has said that statement "raised concerns" about the safety of Australian citizens if Tyson were allowed in the country.
The 38-year-old fighter is not completely persona non grata everywhere beyond the shores of the North American continent, however ...
Mehr: http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/box/3070473