MIKE TYSON is in danger of being sued by Triller if he fights under another promotional banner.
The American social networking service hosted Tyson’s comeback fight with Roy Jones Jr last November, a bout that raked in over one million pay-per-view buys.
Triller had plans to stage another exhibition with the boxing legend, although Tyson quickly dismissed that notion by insisting his next bout would take place under the Legends Only League banner.
But the former undisputed heavyweight champion, 55, faces the prospect of a multi-million-pound lawsuit if he opts to pursue a fight with another promotion.
Triller chief Ryan Kavanaugh threatened Tyson with legal action in a letter recently obtained by The Athletic.
In it, Kavanaugh disputed claims Tyson wasn’t paid his full £18million ($25m) purse and insisted Triller have the rights for his next fight.
It also revealed Triller’s plan for Tyson to have a trilogy fight with former opponent Evander Holyfield.
An excerpt of Kavanaugh’s letter read: “It is unquestionable that we have a contractual right to your next fight, including but not limited to Evander.
“Having spent over $30m dollars on your first fight while being told it was a crazy risk no one would take was only because and for this right to a Tyson-Holyfield fight.
“We also entered into an agreement directly with Evander.”
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Kavanaugh is hoping not to take legal action, adding: “My team and I have nothing but the utmost respect for you.
“Instead of turning this into a legal battle that would, one that would indefinitely hold up your right to fight, we would love to sit down, resolve this, and get you into the ring with Evander.
“All we have asked is we remove the middle men and have a one on one conversation.
“We are confident that together the truth will prevail as will everyone involved.”
Tyson appeared to sever all ties with Triller in March, saying: “Just to be clear, there is no Tyson with Triller fight.
“I don’t know any Triller executives personally. I don’t have a deal with Triller or any head executive representing them for the next event.
“I’m a partner in Legends Only League, and my next event is with my league.
“I will never do another event or any business with Triller, so anyone misrepresenting that they own the rights to my name or my next event isn’t true. I am not with or ever will be with Triller’s Fight Club.”
A month later, The Baddest Man on the Planet claimed he’d face Lewis in a blockbuster rematch this September.
That bout, however, looks highly unlikely given the potential lawsuit Tyson will be slapped with if he fights without Triller’s consent.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
