‘IRON’ Mike Tyson’s visit to Ellesmere Port as part of a five-date UK tour is a virtual sell-out.
The self-titled ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ and one of the most controversial heavyweights in boxing history is the star guest at a sportsman’s dinner organised by Vauxhall Motors Amateur Boxing Club.
Only 10 balcony tickets remain unsold for the event at the town’s Civic Hall at noon on Sunday.
Tyson’s past dinner tours have faced heavy criticism and even demonstrations by women’s rights groups due to his rape conviction in the early 1990s.
Vauxhall coach Bernie Hart, who is organising the event, couldn’t say whether there would be any form of protest on the day.
However, he said it would not be an issue due to the level of security in place for such events, adding that the dinner had proved popular with women.
“Nobody will be getting in the building. We have security anyway, regardless of who it is,” Bernie explained.
“I was surprised by the amount of women who asked for tickets, usually boxers attract a selective crowd.
“I’ve got two people coming from as far as Dublin.
“It’s a mix of people as well from pensioners to schoolboys to housewives. I know he’s had bad publicity in the past, but he’s bringing his family over with him and has put the bad image behind him.”
Tyson still remains the youngest man to lift the world heavyweight crown, but his career has often been surrounded by controversy.
He served three years in prison in the early 90s after being convicted of rape, and in 1997 was disqualified for biting off part of Evander Holyfield’s ear in their title rematch.
Tyson, who will be speaking about his career and doing a question-and-answer session, is joined on the day by Sky Sports pundit and former IBF cruiserweight king Glenn McCrory.
To buy one of the remaining £45 balcony tickets call Bernie Hart on 07540 118863 or email vmabc@hotmail.com.
