This article is more than 6 years old

This article is more than 6 years old

Mike Tyson, the former world heavyweight boxing champion and convicted rapist, has been refused permission to enter Britain because of his criminal record.

The 47-year-old was due to arrive in the UK at the weekend to promote his autobiography, Undisputed Truth, but made for Paris instead after being told he would not be able to come to London because of immigration rules that were toughened up last year.

Upon hearing that he had been banned from entering the country, Tyson said: "I was greatly disappointed when I learned of United Kingdom's immigration law changes that went into effect December 2012.

"I have been coming to the UK consistently in the past decade so this change is disheartening since it affects my current entry standing.

"I apologise to my fans that were inconvenienced, however, please know I am currently working diligently with the proper authorities to regain access next year for my UK tour.

"I am currently stationed in Paris, attending to press that was scheduled for my visit this week in London.

"I am very much looking forward to talking about my book, Undisputed Truth, and UK tour, and very appreciative of the British press for being so accommodating in the interim.

"I have a great deal of respect for the laws of the United Kingdom and will continue taking the proper steps for re-entry."

Tyson's programme in Britain was to have included a photocall with journalists and a book signing at Waterstones. He was due to leave on Friday.

Publisher Harper Collins said: "There was a change in the UK immigration law in December 2012 of which we were unaware. For this reason Mike had to change location to Paris to salvage his press obligations for the UK."

Steve Guest, a spokesman for this visit and another planned for March when Tyson is due to stage five dates of his one-man show, insisted that next year's tour would go ahead as planned. "It is something we need to work out with immigration people and then everything will be fine." The show, directed by Spike Lee in its Broadway run, is due to start a three-night run in London on March 21 and include further dates in Glasgow and Manchester.

Tweets posted on Tyson's official Twitter account last week suggested the boxer was unaware he would be hit by the immigration rule changes.

He wrote: "So, UK fans, who is brave enough to get in the ring and ask me a question?" In subsequent tweets he added: "Tweet me a question with UndisputedTruthBook in it. The 5 best get to step in the ring & ask me it in person."

Tyson was convicted in 1992 of rape and served three years of a six-year sentence. He also has convictions for assault, cocaine possession and driving under the influence.

Under the new immigration rules, any person who has been sentenced to more than four years in prison is barred from entering the country.

Tyson insisted in a film four years ago he had not been guilty of rape.

He was the youngest man to become world champion when he beat Trevor Burbick as a 20-year-old in 1986. He later bit off the ear of Evander Holyfield in a fight.

The Home Office said in a statement: "We would not comment on the details of an individual case. We reserve the right to refuse entry to the UK to anyone who is convicted of serious criminal offences.

"In December 2012 we toughened up the rules on entering the UK, replacing the previous discretionary approach with a clearer, stronger framework including mandatory refusals based on the length of, and time since, sentence."

Campaigning group Ending Victimisation and Blame, which tackles disbelief around domestic and sexual violence, said: "We are delighted that Mike Tyson is not being allowed into the UK due to his previous convictions, one of which was for rape.

"We believe that this sends a message that his criminal actions have long-term consequences – sadly, the consequences for his victim seem to have been forgotten by both Mike Tyson and his supporters."

Tyson, who visited Britain before the rules were toughened, has been the subject of petitions on the change.org website, most recently against his planned Glasgow visit.