It is not clear what lay behind Tyson's late appearance in Wolverhampton, though speculation hints at a contractual dispute. Tyson's four-date tour is a commercial enterprise aimed at restocking coffers that have seen $400 million pass through his hands since he became boxing's youngest heavyweight champion, aged 20, in 1986.

There was huge disappointment in Belfast, where local hero Barry McGuigan who was booked to appear as well. It is understood that McGuigan was at the centre of a late push to save the event before the promoters ran out of time.

It will be interesting to see what was the real reason for the no-show in Belfast – it was muted that it was poor ticket sales however don’t think that would be the cause as Iron Mike had never any trouble in pulling a crowd.