Boxer Mike Tyson swapped the packed streets of Brixton for the waxworks of Madame Tussaud's during his latest public outing in London.

The controversial heavyweight posed for photographs alongside the model of boxing legend Muhammad Ali at the famous museum.

Tyson spent most of Saturday in his exclusive central London hotel after the chaotic tour of Brixton on Friday which saw him forced to take refuge from large crowds in a police station.

But he popped out briefly for an hour-long visit to Madame Tussaud's.

Promoter Frank Warren said the boxer had been most impressed and interested in waxworks of Indian nationalist Mahatma Gandhi and slave trade abolitionist William Wilberforce.

He also scrutinised the model of former girlfriend Naomi Campbell, and gave obscene gestures to former South African President FW de Klerk and Cuban leader Fidel Castro.

Talking point

A Tussau's spokeswoman said: "Tyson said it was great. He said he had not realised one could get so close to the waxworks.

"He seemed to enjoy himself and it certainly gave the other visitors an extra something to talk about."

But Mr Warren said there were no plans for a waxwork of Tyson himself.

Earlier in the day, Tyson invited a handful of fans in to watch him train as he sparred against three Americans.

Among those watching was Britain's former world middleweight champion Alan Minter.

'Dangerous'

He said: "I told him he looked good. He was moving from side to side, he was looking fast, he had fast hands and tremendous body strength. I can't see it going one round.

"The man is dangerous. He looks like he's his old self again."

Minter's confidence was echoed by Tyson fan Alvin Ayres, 31, and his son, Sonny, six, from Mitcham, Surrey, who were invited in to watch their hero box.

Mr Ayres said: "He looks in great shape. He is hitting hard."

Another fan, Hammaad Chaudry, spent seven hours travelling from Edinburgh to be at the front gates of the Grosvenor House Hotel, where Tyson is staying by 0430 GMT.

The 12-year-old's dreams came true as he was selected to meet Tyson while he trained, saying afterwards: "It was excellent, he is the greatest boxer that has ever lived."