Mike Tyson - Mike Tyson Pleads With Australian Officials Over Visa

The boxing legend is currently battling with officials in New Zealand over plans to launch a series of self-help lectures there later this year (12) and it has now been revealed he is also facing a struggle to get into Australia over his 1992 rape conviction.

Tyson hopes to attend a motivational conference in Brisbane, entitled Mike Tyson's Day of the Champions, on 16 November (12) but he is facing a challenge from authorities, according to News.com.au.

Officials in Australia often reject visa applicants because of past criminal records, but Tyson hopes immigration officers will see he has put his problems behind him.

He says, "You shouldn't be worried about me. I'm coming over there with my family - I don't want to be on trial for my life to come over there."

Tyson's Australian agent, Max Markson, adds, "Mike was sentenced to six years (for rape), he served three and was released on good behaviour. It was 20 years ago. I think Australia welcomes people, we have a history of welcoming people. We forgive."