The UK Government says there is "very little" chance of Mike Tyson being allowed into the country for his first British fight later this month.

The former world heavyweight champion is due to face former British champion Julius Francis in Manchester on 29 January.

But the Prime Minister's office has said Tyson would be turned back at the airport because of his criminal convictions.

The American was jailed for rape in 1992, serving half of a six-year sentence.

He was also imprisoned last year for attacking two motorists, serving four months of a one-year sentence before his release last June.

As a US citizen, Tyson does not need a visa to come into the UK or a work permit to take part in a boxing match.

But under the rules anyone convicted for an offence which would carry a 12 month jail term in Britain is not allowed into the country.

Tyson is believed to have planned to fly into Britain in a week or so to prepare for the fight at the MEN Arena in Manchester.

'Compassionate grounds'

The matter of his entry to the country is decided, not by the Home Secretary, but by immigration offcials if an application is made, or if someone arrives in the country.

A Downing Street spokesman said that he was not aware that any such application had been made.

"The rule for discretion is very limited," he said.

"These are the rules. They will have to be followed."

The only way Tyson could be allowed in is on "strong compassionate grounds".

Nearly all of the 22,000 fight tickets have been sold.

Fight promoter Frank Warren said: "Nobody has said a word to us about it and we haven't heard anything negative.

"Mike Tyson is coming over here to fight and then go home. He's not here to do anything else and he's not going to be a danger to anyone apart from the man he's going to fight in the ring.

"For Julius Francis it gives him the opportunity of securing himself for life with a massive pay day as well as the chance to fight Mike Tyson."

Tyson's career has been a long story of ups and downs, with problems in and out of the ring.

In addition to his criminal convictions, the fighter controversially bit Evander Holyfield's ear during one world title bout.

And his latest comeback, against Orlin Norris in October, was ruled a no-contest when Tyson knocked down his opponent after the bell.