Boxing: Tyson apologises for swearing

Mike Tyson has apologised for his part in a brawl that marred a press conference intended to promote his bout with Lennox Lewis.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission will meet next Tuesday to decide whether Tyson will be given a licence to box in Las Vegas.

Meanwhile, Las Vegas police investigators claimed they had found evidence which they believe backs up a woman's claim that she was raped by Tyson.

Police spokeswoman Chermaine Gord said prosecutors needed more time to review the information before making a decision on whether to file sexual assault charges against Tyson.

Tyson has been widely condemned as the instigator of the 20-man brawl after storming towards Lewis and then throwing a punch at a bodyguard who tried to intervene.

He also hit the headlines for aiming a tirade of foul-mouthed abuse at a reporter who suggested he should be put in a straight-jacket.

"I came to New York to promote a fight that I want and boxing fans want to see," said Tyson.

"I am not a role model or Mr Politically Correct: I am a boxer and from now on I will let my boxing talk for me.

"There was obviously a miscommunication between our camps with regards to the face-off, and chaos broke out.

"After our skirmish, I was provoked by a member of the audience who was shouting obscenities at me and I defended myself as I saw fit. In the process, things that I said may have offended members of the audience. To these people, I offer my apologies."