Controversial boxer Mike Tyson has been granted a visa to visit New Zealand despite his troubled past. Tyson, 46, was sentenced to six years in prison in 1992 for the rape of an 18 year old girl. He was released from prison after three years for good behaviour.

New Zealand immigration laws state that anyone who has been sentenced to more than five years in prison will not be granted a visa to enter the country, however exceptions can be made and each case is looked at individually.

Tyson, the youngest ever world heavyweight boxing champion and star of The Hangover movies, will be speaking at Mike Tyson's Day of the Champions on November 15 at the Vector Arena, Auckland.

The day will feature inspirational, motivational and educational speakers.

Tyson is the only boxer to have held the WBC, WBA and IBF world heavyweight titles simultaneously.

He said he is excited to be visiting New Zealand for the first time. He has travelled to many countries and last month said while it would be a shame if he wasn't able to come, he would not grovel to the authorities to grant him entry.

"If I don't come it's just unfortunate. I'm not going to sit here and cower and beg to come to your country. I'm sorry. If I can't come I can't come it would be my misfortune but I don't want to feel like I'm on trial coming to your country," he said at a press conference in Las Vegas.

Tags: Mike Tyson