June 29: Mike Tyson seen at the presentation of his movie Tyson at the 1st Astana International Action Film Festival in Astana, Kazakhstan. (AP)
Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson is being sued for $25 million by a photographer who claims the boxer hit him with a closed fist in November 2009, entertainment website TMZ reported Monday.
Antonio Echavarria says he suffered a concussion and strain on his spinal cord after Tyson hit him and broke his camera at Los Angeles International Airport.
Tyson was arrested following the incident, but the L.A. City Attorney’s office rejected the case, citing “insufficient evidence.”
Monday’s civil lawsuit seeks $25 million for assault and battery, negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Widely recognized as one of the sport's hardest hitters, Tyson’s dynamic rise to boxing fame has been largely overshadowed by events outside of the ring.
Tyson served three years in prison after being convicted of raping beauty contestant Desiree Washington in 1991.
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