Mike Tyson Rejects Pigeon Show, Faces £1.5 Million London Court Battle
Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson is facing a £1.5 million contract dispute at London’s High Court over a promotional agreement involving online gambling brand Rabona.
The case centres on whether Tyson breached a sponsorship deal signed in January 2024 or whether the promotional company, Medier Limited, demanded activities beyond the agreed terms.
According to Tyson’s defence, the agreement required him to participate in promotional content featuring casino games such as slots, poker and roulette. However, the dispute escalated over a proposed appearance on Talking Pigeons, a show featuring a giant pigeon character. Tyson’s wife, Lakiha Tyson, told the court that the programme’s scripted conversations, childhood stories and boxing demonstrations were not what her husband had agreed to do.
She argued that Tyson did not want to become a laughing stock through a promotional appearance that crossed the boundaries of the contract. She also criticised the company’s approach as unprofessional.
Medier Limited disputes this account. Its legal team argues that the programme’s name made the pigeon theme obvious and claims Tyson’s team had an opportunity to raise objections. The company also alleges that Tyson’s interest in the sponsorship diminished after discussions about his reported $15 million exhibition fight with Jake Paul.
The sponsorship reportedly involved payments totalling $2 million, with approximately $190,000 already paid. Tyson’s defence denies that the proposed fight was the real reason for withdrawing from the promotional arrangement.
The legal proceedings will determine whether the agreement was breached and whether damages are justified. The case has attracted attention because of the unusual combination of celebrity boxing, gambling promotion and a pigeon-themed entertainment show.