Mike Tyson is facing his first controversy since becoming a boxing promoter.
Dr. Charles Butler, the head of USA Boxing, took a body shot at Tyson Tuesday. In an open letter, he says the former heavyweight champion is signing novice boxers who could potentially become U.S. Olympic team fighters in 2016.
Butler said in the letter that Iron Mike Productions has been offering the best amateur fighters money to turn pro. He went on to say that the money offered is way less than what the boxers could get if they were to win an Olympic medal.
“Mike, USA Boxing does not have the funds to compete with your offers,” the letter said. “If you have money and would like to assist these young athletes and the sport, you should donate for athlete stipends to support the training of these boxers and help your country regain its prominence on the medal stand. Please do not take them from us. If they win a medal for their country, you can always sign them to professional contracts at that time.”
Tyson’s publicist, Joann Mignano, said the former champ would not be commenting on Butler’s claims.
