By RadioLIVE / 3 News online staff
Mike Tyson is taking another shot at coming to New Zealand, filing a second visa application.
The former world boxing champion and convicted rapist had been booked to give a motivational speech in Auckland next month, but he had his special visitor's visa cancelled last week after the Life Education Trust said its letter of support was sent in error.
Tyson's promoter Max Markson is hopeful that, with the new backing of the Urban Maori Authority (UMA), the Immigration Minister may change her mind:
"I'm hopeful that the minister will reconsider again, and hopefully welcome Mike Tyson to New Zealand. He'll be a great cultural and social and charitable addition to the community for those 20 hours he's in the country."
As part of his new application, Tyson has agreed to visit troubled youth in South Auckland.
“He has been down a troubled path,” UMA leader Willie Jackson said last week. “If he can inspire and support some of the things we're involved with, that would be great.”
Associate Minister of Immigration Kate Wilkinson had said that if another organisation came forward to partner with Tyson she would consider the application again, taking into consideration the type of charity, and the benefit to them.
RadioLIVE / 3 News