Mike Tyson's visa to enter New Zealand has been canceled on Wednesday. The San Jose Mercury News reported that the heavy weight boxer had appearances in New Zealand and Australia in November, however New Zealand Authorities have canceled his visa request due to his 1992 rape conviction.
Tyson was convicted for raping 18-year-old Desiree Washington in Indianapolis and he was sentenced to six years in prison in 1992. He spent three years in prison before receiving parole and being released.
Tyson had been granted an exemption at first but then his visa was canceled on Wednesday. His plans to speak at the event, "Day of Champions" in Auckland this November, could now be canceled.
Reported by the AP Tyson said his facial tattoo was inspired by New Zealand's Maori people and he was looking forward to meeting the indigenous group. Associate immigration Minister Kate Wilkinson said the decision to grant an exception was made in part because a charity, Life Education Trust, would have received some of the proceeds from Tyson's visit. However, the charity withdrew its support on Tuesday.
"Given that the trust is no longer supporting the event, on balance, I have made the decision to cancel his visa," Wilkinson wrote in a statement, the AP reported.
Despite the visa cancellation, the AP reported that Promoter Mark Markson is still selling tickets for the event which range from $70 to $310.
"He'll only be in the country for 20 hours, I don't think he's a danger to anybody, and thousands of people want to see him," Markson said to the AP.
As far as his visit to Australia, the decision to grant a visa is still under examination.
A spokesman for Australia's Department of Immigration and Citizenship said to the AP, "I can tell you that a decision is still pending" on Tyson's application.
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This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
