Britain to let Tyson in again

The American boxer Mike Tyson is to be allowed into Britain again to take part in a heavyweight fight in the Scottish city of Glasgow.

Immigration rules would normally bar Tyson from entry because of his conviction for rape.

But the British Home Secretary, Jack Straw, has decided to make an exception; he cited the economic benefits of the fight, Tyson's satisfactory behaviour on a previous visit, and the fact that he would be accompanied by his trainers, minimising any risk to the public.

A similar decision earlier this year drew angry protests from women's groups, and Scottish politicians have already opposed letting Tyson in again. Despite the protests, Tyson -- a former heavyweight champion -- was welcomed by enthusiastic crowds on a visit to the Brixton district of London, where much of the population is, like Tyson, black.

He's due to fight the American Lou Savarese on June 24th.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service