TYSON, MIKE SIGNED PROMOTIONAL CONTRACT WITH DON KING (1994-SIGNED BY TYSON IN JAIL)

HISTORY: Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson was arrested in July 1991 for the rape of 18-year-old Desiree Washington, Miss Black Rhode Island, in an Indianapolis hotel room. Tyson's rape trial took place in the Indianapolis courthouse from January 26 to February 10, 1992. As part of its case, the prosecution documented Tyson's history of problems with attractive young women. Tyson's defense contended that Tyson was the victim and that Washington was a cold and calculated vixen out to hurt Tyson for publicity. Tyson was convicted on the rape charge on February 10, 1992 after the jury deliberated for nearly 10 hours. Alan Dershowitz filed an appeal on Tyson's behalf alleging that the victim had a history of at least one false accusation of rape and that the judge had blocked testimony from witnesses who would have contradicted Washington. The Indiana Court of Appeals ruled against Tyson in a 2–1 vote. Under Indiana law, a defendant convicted of a felony must begin serving his prison sentence immediately after the sentence is imposed. On March 26, he was given a sentence of 10 years, six in prison and four on probation. He was assigned to the Indiana Youth Center (now the Plainfield Correctional Facility) in April 1992, and he was released in March 1995 after serving three years. Prior to his release Tyson entered into a promotional contract with promoter Don King. Offered here is the original promotional contract signed by Mike Tyson and Don King on June 28, 1994 which directed King to promote the future fights of Tyson.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is a seven page agreement. The agreement lays out the term, minimum purses and obligations of both parties. Boldly signed in ink on the final page by both Don King and Mike Tyson. Not torn or creased. Clean, with the exception of a paperclip mark at the top of the pages, outside the text. 8 1/2" x 11." An extraordinarily rare opportunity to own a great piece of the history of not only Mike Tyson and Don King, but boxing itself.