Mike Tyson wants to chew your ear - but it's not what you think.

Tyson, in Australia for a national speaking tour, promises the Aussie slang term for a long chat is the closest he will get to his infamous bite on Evander Holyfield.

The former world heavyweight champion once pummelled men to a pulp for a living - now he wants to get touchy feely.

"The message of my show would be no matter what adversity hits you in life, don't give up - that's the only time you will lose,'' he said.

"Someone can be a champion and never have a title.''

Tyson even hoped Holyfield would eventually lend an ear - for advice - after hearing the four-time champion had hit tough times financially.

"We all have to endure some kind of pain,'' Tyson said.

"I like Evander. Evander's going to be all right.

"It's all about embracing yourself and looking for happiness through that.

"I learned that lesson. If I can make it in what has been a pretty interesting life he can do it as well.''

Tyson knows all about overcoming adversity.

After winning his first 37 professional bouts he was surprisingly knocked out by Buster Douglas in 1990, sparking a downward spiral.

He was jailed for rape in 1992, admitted to squandering up to $300 million and then there was the ear bite in 1997.

Numerous comebacks followed before he retired for good in 2005, aged 39.

Seven years later he says: "I am the same guy. I just grew up a little bit.''

Women's groups and community leaders are disgusted the Australian government gave him a visa.

However, Tyson did his best to portray a person very different to the boxer once considered "the baddest man on the planet''.

When a koala named Tracy was brought out for a promotional photo 'Iron Mike' - who once owned three tigers - couldn't bear to cuddle her.

"I have seen the TV show 'When Good Animals Turn Bad','' he smiled.

"They also carry bacteria.''

His tour will also take in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

