Mike Tyson is due to arrive at Heathrow airport, amid ongoing controversy about the decision to allow the boxer into the UK.

Tyson is expected to land early on Sunday evening, ahead of his sell-out fight on 29 January against British fighter Julius Francis at Manchester Arena.

The arrival of the former world heavyweight champion, convicted of raping an American beauty queen in 1992, has caused controversy in Britain.

Anti-rape campaigners are going to the High Court on Monday to challenge Home Secretary Jack Straw's decision to allow him into the country.

Justice for Women will seek an urgent judicial review of Mr Straw's decision to override immigration rules on foreign criminals.

The rules ban people convicted of crimes that would carry a prison sentence of more than 12 months in Britain, except on "compassionate grounds".

Mr Straw had said the investment made in the match by Manchester firms and other British businesses created "exceptional circumstances" which allowed the regulations to be set aside.

But Justice For Women believes he may have exceeded his powers.

The row means Tyson is expected to be swamped by fans, critics and the media as soon as he steps off Concorde.

Security at Heathrow has been stepped up and specially-assigned police officers will join airport officials to greet the fighter when he steps off the plane.

"A number of people will meet Mr Tyson to ensure that he is escorted safely through the airport," a Heathrow spokeswoman said.

"We expect a large media presence and extra police officers have been drafted in to make sure everything runs smoothly."

Tyson is expected to be accompanied by five of his own security guards.

Others expected in his entourage include trainer Tommy Brooks and Steve "Crocodile" Fitch, self-appointed Tyson cheerleader.

Mr Fitch has been accused in the past of giving Tyson a "bad image" by snarling at passers-by and shouting comments at opponents such as "It will be guerrilla warfare, man".

BBC correspondents say that although Mr Straw has made a clear decision on Tyson's case, immigration officials could still face difficulties dealing with the criminal convictions of many of those who usually accompany him.

The fighter will head to the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane in central London, where he is expected to stay until he travels to Manchester a week on Wednesday.

Tyson is expected to host several press conferences during his stay in London and keep a number of charity engagements, including a visit to a London hospital.

Political row

Mr Straw's decision has been attacked by politicians from his own and opposition parties.

Former cabinet minister Frank Dobson said he believed Mr Straw had "got it wrong".

Shadow Home Secretary Ann Widdecombe said the decision was just part of a "howler" of a week for "hopeless" Mr Straw.

And Liberal Democrat broadcasting spokesman Norman Baker suggested the decision could be linked to Prime Minister Tony Blair's relationship with media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, whose BSkyB company owns the rights to the fight.