AN Irish students’ union has criticised an event planned for its university campus featuring controversial former boxer Mike Tyson.
An Evening With Mike Tyson is due to take place this Friday night at the Helix venue, located on the Glasnevin campus of Dublin City University (DCU).
However the DCU Students’ Union has distanced itself from the sold-out event and expressed ‘concern’ about the presence of a convicted rapist on campus.
Tyson, the youngest boxer to win a heavyweight title, was convicted of rape in 1992 and served three years of a six-year jail sentence.
“DCU Students’ Union condemns the fact that Mike Tyson, a convicted rapist, is being invited to our campus for an event in the Helix on November 2,” the union said in a statement.
Tyson infamously bit Evader Holyfield's ears during a 1997 fight (Image: Jeff Haynes / AFP / Getty)“DCU Students’ Union is in no way affiliated with the venue, which is a commercial body in its own right.
“We take our students’ safety and wellbeing extremely seriously and are concerned for those whom this visit might affect.
“For any students who may be troubled by this event, there are a number of support services available to you in the University such as the Students’ Union, Student Support & Development, and the Equality Office.”
Tickets for the event are priced at €49, with VIP meet & greet tickets costing €249.
As well as his rape conviction, the former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world has courted controversy on other occasions.
He bit Evander Holyfield’s ears during a 1997 fight, while three years later he said he wanted to eat rival Lennox Lewis’ children.
