Mike Tyson has responded to USA boxing officials in a letter where he accused execs of "taking advantage of my name and company for publicity."
ESPN reported earlier this week that USA Boxing president Dr. Charles F. Butler sent Tyson a letter accusing the former heavyweight champ of poaching potential Olympic team fighters in his new role as a fight promoter for Acquinity Sports.
"Your organization never attempted to contact me directly to discuss this matter," ESPN reported Tyson wrote. "Had you done so, perhaps you would have a better understanding of my love for amateur boxing and my commitment to protect fighters by giving them the best possible opportunities this business can offer."
On Tuesday, Butler sent an open letter to Tyson where he charged Iron Mike Productions was engaging in the underhanded practice of offering money to the best amateur fighters to turn pro, in particular top 152-pound fighter Erickson Lubin, who some say represents the country's best hope for a gold medal at the Rio Games.
Butler said the money being offered is "pennies on the dollar" of what the prospects could be worth with an Olympic medal.
Iron Mike Promotions officials admit the firm has signed the Florida fighter, a two-time Junior Olympic national champion. And in his letter, Tyson defended the signing by claiming it "was solely his decision and based on consultation and input from his advisors."
"No one knows better than I the pitfalls of amateur and professional boxing," Tyson wrote. "This is precisely why I am compelled to make Iron Mike Productions a transparent company. I love my country and I love the liberties living in a democracy affords. These young fighters have worked diligently and deserve the right to pursue the best path they deem fit for themselves.
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