The governor of New Jersey is challenging a move to grant a boxing licence to Mike Tyson, the New Jersey Star-Ledger reported on Tuesday.
Governor James McGreevey said he would not allow Tyson to fight in state-owned venues. That would rule out some of the biggest facilities like Meadowlands Arena and the Atlantic City Convention Centre.
McGreevey’s comments came just hours after New Jersey boxing regulators agreed to reinstate Tyson’s boxing licence.
Tyson is hoping to land a big payday by fighting in New Jersey again.
Iron Mike has fought just three times since 2000. He withdrew his last request for a New Jersey licence after getting upset at the questions being asked at the time by regulators.
Tyson, who turns 38 on June 30, is preparing to return to the boxing ring for the first time since his easy win over American compatriot Clifford Etienne in February 2003.
Tyson is scheduled to to fight Britain’s Danny Williams in Louisville, Kentucky next month. — Sapa-AFP