London, May 28 : Public outrage has forced organisers to cancel a sportsmen's dinner hosted by boxing legend Mike Tyson in Glasgow, Scotland.

The 41-year-old boxer, who's also a convicted rapist, was to appear in an event "Audience with Mike Tyson" planned for Saturday at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow. But his visit has sparked widespread condemnation from women's groups and campaigners. Barry Hughes, of Braveheart Promotions, said the event was being ancelled "due to the level of negative feedback from public, media and political sources". "Although Mike Tyson is one of the greatest former world champion boxers of all time, the furore that has surrounded this troubled athlete's personal life continues to overshadow his professional accolades," the Scotsman quoted Hughes as saying.

"Braveheart Promotions does not wish to cause distress to any individuals or groups in holding an event which is seen to glorify unfavourable behaviour," he added.

A spokeswoman for Scottish Women's Aid said that they were delighted that the organisers have cancelled the event.

"We are absolutely delighted the promoters have taken cognisance of the protests and reversed their decision to invite Tyson to speak at this event. They have recognised they were giving out the wrong message about violence against women," said the spokeswoman.

The heavyweight champion was jailed for six years in 1991 for raping beauty queen Desiree Washington and has a history of violence towards women.

ANI