IT would have been the ultimate battle.

In the red corner, former heavyweight champion of the world "Iron" Mike Tyson against, in the blue corner, fearsome Viking legend Erik Bloodaxe.

But Jorvik Viking Centre chiefs have revealed that the attraction will not be able to accommodate the boxing legend when he comes to the city next week for a sightseeing tour.

Tyson arrived in the UK on Sunday for several speaking engagements after a controversial trip to South America. He was arrested outside a nightclub in Brazil after an alleged altercation with a photographer. No charges were brought against him.

Doncaster-based superfan Andy Booker, who is organising his trip to York, met him at the airport and is staying with him in London.

"It's absolutely fantastic," he told the Evening Press.

"I had a meal with Mike last night and he said he was looking forward to coming to York. He knows more about the city than I do and said he loved Dick Turpin."

York tourist guide Keith Mulhearn has arranged the itinerary for Tyson's visit. It will include a trip to York Minster, Clifford's Tower, the Castle Museum and the Bar Walls.

Andy, 41, a newsagent, who has arranged a team of eight minders to look after his guest while strolling around York, said they also hoped to go to a pub for lunch.

Andy's friend, Ricky Butler, a member of the Tyson entourage coming to York, said: "If they (Jorvik) don't want him there then we won't go. He doesn't want any trouble. The visit will be good for tourism in York because if it goes well he'll want to go back there."

A spokesman for Jorvik Viking Centre said: "Unfortunately we couldn't accommodate him (Tyson) on the day he wanted to come."

Tyson's former sparring partner, Joe Egan, will also accompany him to York. He said: "We can't wait to come to York."

Updated: 09:48 Tuesday, November 15, 2005