MIKE TYSON has said he will appeal the decision of a New York jury which found him guilty of sacking his former trainer Kevin Rooney without cause.

The federal court jury in Albany which deliberated for more than nine hours over two days before reaching the verdict on Monday, also decided that Tyson must pay Rooney £2.56 million in damages.

Tyson, who was sued for £30.62 million by Rooney, described the verdict as "ridiculous" and said: "I am going to appeal against this unjust decision."

Tyson had testified that he had parted company with Rooney after becoming angry at the trainer for talking publicly about his marriage to actress Robin Givens and his contract dispute with former manager Bill Cayton.