Ref expects Tyson to face action

Mike Tyson clubs Lou Savarese to the floor

Referee John Coyle says that Mike Tyson could well face trouble from the British Boxing Board of Control after the former world champion continued fighting after the bout had been stopped.

Coyle was on the receiving end of a Tyson punch as he tried to haul the champion away from the stricken Lou Savarese.

And Coyle, speaking exclusively to BBC Radio 5 Live, admits he was shocked when the 33-year-old boxer continued to throw punches several seconds after the bout had been stopped, including one which landed on the wrong man.

"I didn't take a full shot, I think if I had I would still be in hospital," said Coyle.

I am quite sure there will be some sanction or other, but that is up to the Board when my report, and other reports, go in.

Referee John Coyle

"He was trying to get at Savarese from behind me after I had stopped the contest in his favour.

"Why that should be I don't know, but who can figure this guy out? The fight was already over."

John Coyle on the floor after taking a Tyson punch

Coyle, who is adamant that he could not have disqualified Tyson as the fight had already ended, says that action is bound to be taken over Tyson's behaviour.

"I am quite sure there will be some sanction or other, but that is up to the Board when my report, and other reports, go in."

Coyle explained that he was unable to disqualify Tyson for continuing to fight because the bout was officially over.

"After Savarese had gone down and taken the count, I waved the fight on to give him another chance and he stopped a volley of good shots which terminated with a good left hook to the head.

No defence

"His hands dropped so he had no defence, I shouted `Stop boxing', jumped in and at that point the fight was over. Whatever happens after that... you don't disqualify after a fight finishes.

"Tyson just wanted to keep fighting after he'd won the fight. It was quite strange, it was the first time I have ever had it."

I just can't understand the man. He seems to have his own psyche which changes from minute to minute.

John Coyle

The referee added that Tyson's controversial comments aimed at Britain's WBC and IBF heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis in the immediate aftermath of the fight were "just dreadful".

Tyson raged at Lewis: "I want your heart. I want to eat your children. He is no match for me when I am right. I want to rip out his heart and feed it to him."

"I just can't understand the man. He seems to have his own psyche which changes from minute to minute. He shouldn't have said it," added Coyle.