USA Boxing accuses Mike Tyson of 'luring' potential 2016 Olympics candidates

Former American boxing star Mike Tyson has reportedly been accused of trying to lure boxers who might be candidates for the US Olympic team in the 2016 Games in Rio.

The head of the USA Boxing has written an open letter to the former world heavyweight champion, accusing his newly-formed promotion company Iron Mike Productions of offering money to the best amateur fighters to turn professional

According to The Scotsman, Dr Charles Butler said in his letter that Tyson's company had particularly attempted to lure a teenaged fighter, Florida-based Erickson Lubin, who is widely believed to be the country's best hope for gold at the Rio Games.

Stating that the money being offered by Tyson is 'pennies on the dollar' of what Lubin's earning potential could be if he won an Olympic medal, Butler urged Tyson to use his money to assist young boxers and boxing by donating for athlete stipends to support their training instead of taking them away from USA Boxing.

According to Butler, USA Boxing does not have the funds to compete with Tyson's offers, adding that Tyson can always sign the young boxers to professional contracts if they win a medal for their country.

Butler also said that Tyson should help US regain its prominence on the medal stand.

Boxing promoters have long trolled the amateur ranks looking for talent, especially in recent years as the lure of Olympic gold has faded for many fighters, the report added.