• Boxing

Tyson faces legal action from Warren

ESPN staff
November 13, 2013
Frank Warren promoted Mike Tyson's fight with Julius Francis in January 2000 © Getty Images
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Mike Tyson is facing possible legal action from promoter Frank Warren after confessing he was high on drugs during several of his major bouts and deceived drug testers with a fake penis.

Tyson admits in his new autobiography, published in the United States on Tuesday, that he used a 'whizzer' - a fake penis filled with another person's urine - to evade drug tests, having been addicted to cocaine and marijuana for a large part of his career.

The former world heavyweight champion received a $200,000 fine after testing positive for marijuana after his 2000 fight against Andrew Golota in Detroit, and admits the failed test was due to being unable to claim the 'whizzer' from a team member in time.

He also confessed to taking "pot" and "blow" before his fight against Lou Saverese in Glasgow during June 2000. The fight was promoted by Warren, as was Tyson's January 2000 clash with Julius Francis in Manchester.

"I haven't seen the book yet, but once I get a copy of it, our solicitors are looking at that, and other things in the book," Warren told the Daily Telegraph. "We will wait and see, but it is obviously very concerning, and if it is the case we'll be putting that to our lawyers."

Warren's solicitors could explore whether Tyson was in breach of contract for the two fights.

The pair have also publicly disagreed over an $800,000 jewellery bill served to Tyson's representatives during January 2000. Warren denies the bill was his, with Tyson said to be unhappy he was forced to accept the writ served by lawyers for Graff Diamonds.

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