Renowned boxer, former champion of the world among professionals Mike Tyson, has arrived in Russia’s republic of Chechnya to unveil a boxing tournament in memory of first Chechen President Akhmat Kadyrov, the press secretary of the Chechen president told Itar-Tass on Thursday.

The boxer arrived in the restive republic at the invitation of First Deputy Prime Minister of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov.

“As an honoured guest, Tyson together with Ramzan Kadyrov will unveil in Gudermes today the second all-Russia boxing tournament in memory of the first Chechen President, Akhmat Kadyrov,” the press secretary, Muslim Khuchiev, said.

According to him, “Tyson has a lot of fans in Chechnya, particularly among young athletes, who used to admire his boxing skills and learn from him,” he said.

“There will be a full house at the tournament in Gudermes today,” Khuchiev said. Renowned sports celebrities of Tyson’s level have never visited Chechnya, even in the USSR era.

“Mike Tyson is a real athlete and fighter, he immediately accepted the invitation of Ramzan Kadyrov to visit Chechnya and become an honoured guest at the boxing tournament,” the press secretary said. “We shall welcome him as dear guest in accordance with Chechen traditions and will treat him to our ancient meal, zhizhik-galnash (meat with sauce and boulettes)”.

While in Gudermes, Tyson will also visit the Ramzan sports club and meet with young boxers. The boxing tournament will continue till September 20. Hundreds of boxers from most Russian regions take part in it. Best referees from Russia and some countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States have been invited.

The visit to Chechnya is part of a tour of Russia and Ukraine Tyson is making that has been organised by the Nemirov vodka company.

On Wednesday Tyson took part in the presentation of the Olympics-2006 sports garments collection for Russia’s team. The boxer was also seen wearing a Russian team outfit.

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MOSCOW, RUSSIA. SEPTEMBER 15. Figure skater Yevgeny Plyushchenko (L) and boxer Mike Tyson participate in the presentation of the Russian Olympic Team uniform for the 20th Olympic Winter Games, which will take place in Turin in February 2006.


Figure skater Yevgeny Plyushchenko (L) and boxer Mike Tyson attend the presentation of the Russian Olympic Team uniform for the 20th Olympic Winter Games, which will take place in Turin in February 2006.