Tyson denied license to box in Texas

Friday, February 15th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ Mike Tyson's application to box in Texas was denied Friday, the latest rejection in the former heavyweight champion's attempt to get a sanctioned fight with Lennox Lewis.

The decision by Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Executive Director Bill Kuntz was based at least in part on Tyson's history in other states, spokesman Kevin Ketchum said.

Further details of the decision were not immediately available.

Hector Uribe, Tyson's attorney in Austin, requested an appeal hearing.

``I can't help but think that political pressure has had a part in the decision,'' he said.

Tyson has twice run into licensing problems in Nevada. In 1997, he was stripped of a license to fight there after the ``Bite Fight'' in which Tyson bit Evander Holyfield's ear.

Nevada also recently rejected Tyson's fight application after a melee with Lewis at a news conference.

Since then, promoters have been searching for a place to stage a Lewis-Tyson title fight but have met with resistance from politicians in several states.

Georgia officials have granted Tyson's application to fight there, however, the state also requires a promoter's license and a show permit, neither of which has been granted. Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes on Thursday asked the Georgia Boxing Commission to rescind the license.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry urged officials in his state this week not to license Tyson.