Mike Tyson Sued For $36 Million For LAX Paparazzo Assault

Cash-strapped former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson has been sued for $36 million stemming from his dust-up with an aggressive snapper at Los Angeles International Airport in Nov. 2009.

“Iron Mike” was initially booked for misdemeanor battery, but prosecutors rejected the charges because of “insufficient evidence.” Photographer Antonio Echavarria is trying his luck in civil court after city prosecutors rejected charges against the heavyweight boxing champ,

Echavarria claims he suffered a concussion and strain to his spinal cord when he was punched with a closed fist by the pigeon-lovin’ ex-boxer during an unprovoked attack. The paparazzo also claims Tyson and two airport employees gave false statements to cops to help the former fighter escape prosecution. Tyson, on the other hand, has always maintained that Echavarria trailed him and his family as they were exiting the airport, and argues that he was jus trying to defend himself when the photographer got in his face.

Echavarria charges assault and battery, negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and false imprisonment and false arrest. He is seeking $25 million in punitive damages, $1.9 million for medical expenses, future medical expenses, loss of earnings, and loss of future earning capacity, and $10 million for emotional distress and pain, suffering and inconvenience.