Tyson leaves sour taste

Tyson waves to fans as he leaves Glasgow

Mike Tyson has flown out of Scotland, leaving behind a trail of controversy.

Comments made by Tyson after his first-round win over fellow American Lou Savarese are to be investigated by the sport's regulators.

The fighter won few new fans and many detractors during a visit which was as disturbing as it was brief. It is believed he has now fought his last bout in the UK.

SNP members protest outside Hampden

Scottish National Party leader Alex Salmond led the criticism, describing the contest as "a farce" and "a complete mis-match".

He said those who had supported Tyson should "hang their heads in shame".

"The so-called economic benefits, on which Jack Straw based his disgraceful decision to let convicted rapist Tyson into Scotland, proved to be totally illusory," said Mr Salmond.

"The attempt to bribe people in Scotland was fool's gold.

"Women's groups and the Scottish parliament were absolutely right to oppose this so-called fight. It would have been far better all round if it had never taken place."

Following the fight, Tyson sent a message to current world champion Lennox Lewis that he would "rip out his heart and feed it to him" and "eat his children" should the two ever meet in the ring.

Contrary to what people think, money isn't everything

Fight promoter Frank Warren

The comments were attacked by boxing commentators already critical of Tyson's aggressive conduct, and promoter Frank Warren immediately distanced himself from them.

The interview followed a chaotic fight in which match referee John Coyle was floored by a punch thrown by Tyson, seemingly after Coyle had stopped the contest with just 38 seconds gone.

Lennox Lewis' manager, Frank Maloney, dismissed Tyson's comments and criticised the boxer's mentality.

"The people around Mike Tyson are responsible for him. He is a victim of circumstance. But I wouldn't promote Mike Tyson if he paid me all the money in China," said Maloney.

Lewis defends his world title against Francois Botha at London Arena next month.

Referee John Coyle was floored by Tyson

Maloney added: "We are going to resurrect the sport on 15 July after it was dragged through the gutter last night."

Simon Block, from the British Boxing Board of Control, said he was satisfied the referee incident had not been deliberate, though Tyson's comments would be investigated.

He said: "I was not very happy about the comments, some boxers say stupid things and he's not the first boxer to say stupid things - sometimes I prefer boxers to cool down before they start giving interviews."

'Contempt for authority'

Ex-world featherweight champion Barry McGuigan said Tyson should have been disqualified.

"What he did was appalling. He showed complete contempt for authority."

Referring to Tyson's comments McGuigan said: "Tyson is clearly out of control out of the ring - and out of control in it."

Warren, the centre of newspaper speculation about an argument with the fighter, said he would have to think about whether he would promote Tyson again.

He said he was "very concerned" at the reports of what Tyson had said and added: "If that was the case, those are comments with which I wouldn't want to associate myself with."

Tyson is proclaimed the victor

Warren also said: "Contrary to what people think, money isn't everything."

Warren was speaking after a fight which had been dogged from the start by protest on several fronts.

While refusing to admit the entire episode had left a bitter taste in his mouth, Warren appeared uncharacteristically reflective and subdued after the event.

After all the hype, the main event at Hampden Park lasted just 38 seconds but Frank Warren said it was not embarrassing.

"I think Mike Tyson put in a devastating performance," he explained.

"The punch he caught Savarese with on the top of the head basically stunned him and he followed up and Lou never got over it."