When it was announced that Mike Tyson would fight in the UK in December, nobody predicted the drama that would follow before the first bell.

The former world heavyweight champion had a bureaucratic fight just to get into the UK - and then faced a legal battle to stay.

This is how he fought for the right to face Julius Francis in Manchester. Click on each headline link for the full story.

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9 December 1999

Iron Mike is coming
After a month of rumours in the boxing world promoter Frank Warren announces that Mike Tyson will definitely make his British debut on 29 January 2000.

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14 December 1999

Francis faces fight of life
His opponent is confirmed as Julius Francis, a little-known British heavyweight who will receive £350,000 for going into the ring with Iron Mike

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11 January 2000

First doubt over bout
The UK Government admits that there could be a problem with Tyson's entry to the country although ministers insist it will be up to the immigration service to decide when the fighter arrives.

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13 January 2000

Warren counts the cost....
Promoter Warren says Francis will be made bankrupt if the fight cannot go ahead.

... before the UK's u-turn
Later in the day the government relents and says Tyson will be allowed into the UK due to the special circumstances of protecting small businesses in Manchester.

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14 January 2000

Row goes on
As a number of people object to the government's decision, Home Secretary Jack Straw announces a review of the rules governing whether convicted criminals can enter the UK.

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16 January 2000

Iron Mike has landed
Chaotic scenes disturb Sunday afternoon at Heathrow airport as the boxer arrives in London.

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17 January 2000

Court allows Tyson to stay
Court victory for the fighter as the Justice for Women group led by Julie Bindel loses its legal bid to declare his entry illegal.

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