Tyson keen to meet Taylor, but Rape Crisis Network expresses concern

Former world heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson is heading to Limerick — and is keen to meet with Ireland’s Olympic boxing hero, Katie Taylor.

Tyson, who is on a UK tour during which he takes questions from audiences, will make his only Irish appearance at the main corporate suite in Thomond Park, Limerick, on Oct 10, for which 600 tickets will be sold.

Mike O’Regan of CWH Promotions has organised the event and contracts have been signed with Thomond Park.

Mr O’Regan told the Limerick Chronicle: “We are hoping that Katie Taylor will be there on the night, because we know Mike wants to meet her, if at all possible. He saw her matches on television.”

However, Miriam Duffy, the national chairwoman of Rape Crisis Network Ireland, expressed concern last night about the Olympic gold medallist attending the event, given that Tyson was a convicted rapist.

Ms Duffy said: “She is carrying a lot on her shoulders as a figurehead of young Irish womanhood and we would be available to discuss with her the matter, if she so wished.”

Ms Duffy said she would encourage Katie to meet with them if she does receive a formal invitation to the event.

“I think it is a decision for herself and from my understanding, Katie is a deeply moral person from a very fine background.

“There is so much stuff coming at her now with people trying to generate publicity and get part of her.

“If she did get an invitation to meet him [Tyson], we are open to talk with her and would like to discuss it with her.”

Promoter Mr O’Regan said: “People will meet him and get a personal photograph with him.

“He is a changed man at this stage.”

Tyson was convicted and jailed for rape in 1992.