Boxing: Tyson denied licence to box in Texas

Mike Tyson's application to box in Texas has been rejected.

It is the latest setback in his attempt to get a sanctioned bout against Lennox Lewis.

The decision was taken by Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation executive director Bill Kuntz.

It was based at least in part on Tyson's history in other states, spokesman Kevin Ketchum said.

Tyson has twice run into licensing problems in Nevada.

In 1997, he was stripped of a licence to fight there after a fight in which Tyson bit Evander Holyfield's ear.

Nevada also recently rejected Tyson's fight application after a scuffle with Lewis at a news conference.

Since then, promoters have been searching for a place to stage a Lewis-Tyson title fight but have met with resistance from politicians in several states.

Texas Governor Rick Perry urged state officials not to license Tyson.