Day in jail for Tyson over drugs

The former heavyweight champion also received three years' probation after being caught driving in possession of cocaine, having also used marijuana.

US prosecutors had recommended a one-year prison sentence on the grounds that Tyson was a multiple offender.

But the Arizona judge praised him for seeking help for his drug addiction.

Tyson, now 41, was caught by police driving erratically leaving a nightclub in Scottsdale, Arizona, in December 2006.

During a roadside search they found three bags of cocaine and he later admitted to having used marijuana that day along with an anti-depressant.

The Maricopa county attorney Andrew Thomas earlier this year warned Tyson had "run out of second chances" and he would seek a jail term.

'Impressed'

But at the plea hearing in September his lawyer said Tyson had sought rehabilitation treatment and had been clean for months.

Tyson's former wives also wrote letters to the court requesting leniency.

On Monday, the judge at Maricopa County Superior Court, Helene Abrams, told Tyson she was "impressed" that he was seeking help.

"You worked to address your addiction and self-destructive behaviour," Ms Abrams said.

In 1986 Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history, aged 20.

In 2003 he declared bankruptcy, having squandered an estimated fortune of $300m (£146m).

He retired from boxing in 2005, following his shock defeat by Kevin McBride, but in 2006 tried to revive his career with a series of boxing exhibitions.