Mike Tyson's first fight in Britain could be called off after immigration officials said he would be turned back at the border because of his criminal convictions.

Tyson was jailed for six years in 1992 for raping Miss Black America contestant Desiree Washington. He served half the sentence.

The British Home Office confirmed that immigration rules ban entry to anyone with serious convictions and warned Tyson faced being refused entry.

He was also jailed in February 1999 for a year for attacking two motorists. Tyson was released in June.

As an American, Tyson does not need a visa or a work permit to take part in a boxing match.

But the Home Office said that under the rules anyone convicted either in the UK or abroad for an offence which would carry a 12-month jail term in Britain would not be allowed into the country.

The only way Tyson could be allowed in is on "compassionate grounds."

Officials said they were not aware of any discussions between the Tyson camp and the immigration department.

The much-hyped multi-million pound fight is due to take place at Manchester's MEN arena on January 29th and nearly all the 22,000 tickets have been sold.

Match promoters Sports Network refused to comment on the situation as they sought more information on Tyson's immigration status.

Fight promoter Frank Warren said he would oppose any decision to stop Tyson's entry into Britain.

Warren said he was disgusted he had not been made aware of the potential difficulties and had learned of the problem through the media.

He said thousands of tickets had already been sold for the bout and hotels in Manchester were already booked by spectators and media from around the world.

"I certainly would not accept this decision," Warren told the Radio Five Live Drive programme.

"I'm trying to establish what the position is but it is not a closed door and we will be working on it," he said.