Conspiracy theory

AN African tribal tattoo on Mike Tyson's face may have put an end to his boxing career and that of world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis.

That is the sensational theory that has emerged from Las Vegas, where Tyson's latest bout of irrational behaviour is threatening his comeback fight against Clifford Etienne in Memphis on Saturday.

Tyson's torso is already adorned with body art. But it is thought an allergic reaction to the extraordinary facial tattoo may be the reason why the controversial American skipped several training sessions last week and then yesterday missed his scheduled flight from Vegas to Memphis.