Tyson faked illness - Bonano

Clifford Etienne’s manager has accused Mike Tyson of faking illness ahead of Saturday’s heavyweight showdown in Memphis.

Tyson pulled out of the contest on Monday claiming he was suffering from flu and a stomach illness.

However, the former world champion made an amazing U-turn the following day and the contest is now back on track after a brief show of resentment from Etienne.

“I think it was a ploy from Tyson all along, so I told Clifford not to get involved and caught up in it,” Les Bonano told BBC Radio Five Live.

“I think it was all choreographed and it worked. Tyson has always been an intimidator.”

Etienne himself threatened to boycott the bout with Tyson, insisting: "The world does not revolve around Mike Tyson”.

However, Bonano confirmed that his charge had now agreed to go ahead with the 10-round event at the Pyramid Arena.

“He called me and said: ’I’m going to the gym and I’m going to fight,”’ added Bonano.