Listeners floor boxing legend Tyson interview in SAfrica

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2008

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) — A South African radio station had to scrap plans to interview former heavyweight boxing champion and convicted rapist Mike Tyson Wednesday after angry listeners bombarded its switchboard.

Talk Radio 702 station manager Pheladi Gwangwa said Tyson, in town to help promote a bout at the weekend in Johannesburg, had agreed to chat with breakfast show presenter John Robbie but pulled out at the eleventh hour.

"The request (for an interview) was received favourably but with the proviso that John should not ask any questions relating to his rape trial," Gwangwa told AFP.

But when Robbie told his listeners about the plans to talk with "Iron Mike", the station was inundated with callers who expressed outrage.

"There was a huge reaction...