A representative for the champion fighter says that Tyson was merely protecting his wife and 10-month-old son when he attacked a photographer at LAX on Wednesday (November 11), reports People.
Spokeswoman Tammy Brook declared, "Mike acted in self-defense as a father protecting his child."
However, the photographer, Tony Echevarria, said in a video interview that’s been published by TMZ.com, that he maintained his distance from Tyson and remained respectful.
A police officer present at the airport incident revealed that Tyson hit the photographer in the face, resulting in a laceration on the man’s forehead.
Echevarria said he received five stitches following the attack, and that Tyson hit him at least four times. "When you’re getting hit by Mike Tyson, it’s the worst thing in the world you can imagine," he revealed.
Mike Tyson was arrested on the spot, but later released on $20 000 bail. He and his family were making a stopover at the Los Angeles airport, arriving from Europe and heading to Las Vegas.