Joe Egan has claimed Mike Tyson will "build bridges and act with dignity" during his controversial after-dinner tour, which arrives in Birmingham on Friday.

Birmingham-based Egan spent 18 months as Tyson's sparring partner 21 years ago and has struck up a lifelong friendship with the former heavyweight champion of the world.

His nationwide tour is sure to sell out but there was a storm of protests in Birmingham after it was announced Tyson would be visiting the city, primarily over his conviction for rape in 1992.

* What do you think? Should Mike Tyson be welcomed by Brummies? Visit our messageboard and give us your opinion. *

Tyson served his time in prison and Egan, who was called as a character witness for Tyson's defence, is adamant his friend should be given the opportunity to rebuild his life.

"There was a lot of controversy over Mike's conviction and it was never a rock-solid case," said Egan.

"I know there is the possibility of an appeal again the future and people shouldn't forget the case of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter."

Carter was a middleweight boxer who was controversially convicted of murdering three men in 1966 and served 19 years in jail before being released in 1985.

He was awarded the WBC Championship belt last year and Egan is drawing parallels between the two boxers.

"Mike's case might get overturned, even if it takes 20 years, and I doubt he is guilty," added Egan.

"Even if the decision doesn't get overturned then he can't be punished for the rest of his days.

"He has always pleaded his innocence and there are people trying to clear his name."

"He has served his time, so let him get on with the rest of his life.

"I can't believe the uproar over his arrival, as there have been an awful lot of people with far worse backgrounds who have been allowed into Britain.

"He has been let down by so may people over the years and, at this time in his life, he is trying to build bridges.

"Boxing is only one chapter of his life, as I have known for him 21 years and he has always done me proud."

Egan, once described as 'the toughest white man on the planet' by Tyson, lived with the former Heavyweight champion of the world in the Catskill area of New York.

That friendship has stayed rock solid throughout turbulent times including Egan spending two years at Her Majesty's Pleasure.

Egan has rebuilt his life successfully and sees no reason why Tyson shouldn't be afforded the same opportunity.

"Mike has been travelling round Europe and made a really big impression on people," added Egan.

"He was invited to Russia as a guest of their ABA and they were raving about him, as he brought communities together.

"Renault invited him as their guest for the Turkish Grand Prix and claimed they

had never had such a distinguished guest.

"He has been a great ambassador and these countries have welcomed him, so why can't Birmingham?

As well as his conviction for rape, further ammunition for Tyson's detractors has been his well publicised ear biting incident with Evander Holyfield.

Tyson bit off a chunk of Holyfield's ear during a World title fight in America and was castigated for his actions.

Nevertheless Egan, while not defending Tyson, contends there were mitigating circumstances.

"Mike had been headbutted by Holyfield throughout that fight and he was retaliating to a dirty act," continued Egan.

"However, two wrongs don't make a right and he has apologised because he was wrong.

"But, boxing is a violent sport and can you name me a person who doesn't sometimes react when provoked? He isn't coming to Birmingham looking for state handouts or a free ride and his visit will generate business in the local economy.

"When he came over to Manchester and Glasgow to box, both trips were really successful and he met a lot of fans.

"For every one person that is knocking Tyson, he has a thousand people backing him and he should be welcomed to Birmingham."

* Fisher Promotions and Mike Tyson will be donating £10,000 to the Acorns Hospice after their visit to Birmingham. Tyson has written the foreword to 'Big Joe Egan' and will be at Books Etc in Canary Wharf on Thursday November 17 from midday until 2pm signing copies along with Egan.

Tickets for the dinner show at the Birmingham Hilton are available on 0800 0286844.