Boxing: Tyson has to wrestle

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LONDON - A woman and a reporter were bowled over and a fan was almost swept into Mike Tyson's limousine by accident as the former world heavyweight boxing champion charged into England yesterday amid chaotic scenes.

With women's rights groups demanding he be sent home because of his 1992 rape conviction, the former champion was marched at speed through Heathrow Airport as he arrived for his fight against Julius Francis in two weeks' time.

But there were no protesters in sight. Instead there was a 400-strong crowd of fans, TV cameramen, photographers, reporters, policemen and security staff.

A women bystander and a female reporter were both knocked down as the tide of humanity swept towards the exit doors. And when the VIPs reached their limousines outside, fight fan Warren Craddock almost joined Tyson in the back seat.

The Londoner was swept along and got wedged in the door before the fighter got there. He was pulled away before anyone got hurt. "It was awesome, brilliant," he said.

Opponents of Tyson being in Britain point to immigration rules that say anyone jailed for more than a year should not be let into the country. Tyson served half his six-year sentence, having been convicted of rape in 1992.

Justice for Women campaigners will argue that Home Secretary Jack Straw acted beyond his powers by overriding immigration rules.