(http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/121003-tyson-2a.photoblog600.jpg)Philippe Lopez / AFP - Getty Images, fileFormer heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson is "disappointed" and "quite down" about New Zealand's decision, according to the promoter for his planned visit.By NBC News staff and wire reportsUpdated at 5:57 a.m. ET: Retired boxer and convicted rapist Mike Tyson has been barred from New Zealand by government ministers who revoked an entry permit for his forthcoming speaking tour.
Authorities in the country - whose indigenous Maori people Tyson says inspired his facial tattoo – reversed an earlier decision to allow him entry after a children’s health charity withdrew its support for his controversial visit.
The 46-year-old could now face a similar problem entering Australia. He is due to speak at a November event in Auckland, the "Day of the Champions."
Tyson's 1992 conviction for raping an Indiana beauty queen would normally prevent his entry in New Zealand and could be grounds for denial in Australia as well. He had been granted an exemption by the New Zealand government because some proceeds from his talk would have benefited the Life Education Trust.
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