Two heavyweights, one of sport and another of politics, look set to draw a huge crowd to a star-studded charity banquet at the Emperors Palace in two weeks. Already, some 75 tables - at R7 500 each - have been sold for the event where ANC president Jacob Zuma will make a keynote address for guest of honour Mike Tyson - the boxer whose public and personal notoriety earned him the title "baddest man on the planet". But while politicians and business tycoons prepare for a networking bonanza, women's groups believe organisers of the event have an "extraordinarily bizarre sense of humour" by throwing Zuma and Tyson into the same ring. Tyson (41) bid farewell to "honour" after he spent three years in jail for the 1992 rape of 18-year-old beauty contestant Desiree Washington, bit off a chunk of boxer Evander Holyfield's ear and was accused of beating and raping former wife Robin Givens. Again, Tyson was sentenced to three years' probation and one day in jail for drug possession and driving under the influence just two months ago. He has also been arrested for a string of assaults. International women's organisations such as Justice for Women have fought long and hard to keep the two-time world heavyweight champ from visiting Britain - failing to do so in 2000. Zuma was acquitted on rape charges in 2006, but his comments during his trial continue to haunt him and have created a hostile stand-off between the president-in-waiting and women's groups. After the trial, Zuma apologised for his statements regarding homosexuality, HIV/Aids prevention through showering and his takes on cultural traditions towards women. "On the surface of things there is nothing to comment on," said Lisa Vetten of the Tshwaranang Legal Advocacy Centre, referring to the fact that both men had either been released from prison or acquitted. "But the organisers must have an extraordinarily bizarre sense of humour. It's inappropriate and the combination is distasteful." Vetten said that Tyson continues to deny any wrongdoing and is a "very poor role model". "He's not the kind of person you want in South Africa, considering our record of rape," Vetten said. "And Zuma, although he was acquitted, didn't demonstrate a highly liberal attitude towards gender relations." Carrie Shelver of People Opposing Women Abuse (Powa) agreed, saying: "It's inappropriate in a country where women are so affected by violence." Shelver said that one in four women fell victim to domestic violence and the rape statistics, although largely underreported, were staggering. According to the latest data, the 2006/2007 year saw 52,600 rape cases. She added that considering Tyson's track record and Zuma's statements, it appears "big business is almost endorsing that kind of behaviour". The Tyson banquet is due to take place on January 30 at the Palace of Dreams and, organisers say there are just 30 tables left for sale. About R800 000 will be raised from tables alone and the man behind the sales, Jeff Ellis, said: "We'll sell out. It's going to be fantastic." The charities that will benefit are Girls and Boys Town and the Sithabile Child & Youth Centre. Tyson, who has been accused of being mentally unstable and bi-polar by two ex-wives - has six children. The banquet is a buildup to the Fire and Brimstone tournament on February 2, which will see Corrie Sanders square off against Osborne "Big Daddy" Machimana. During the banquet, signed memorabilia will be sold off for charity while local band Malaika and comedian David Kau will entertain the crowd. Tyson is also scheduled to visit a Soweto school. The press release for the event boasts: "Jacob Zuma is a fan of sport, and in particular a supporter of SA boxing." "Tyson's early life was paved with hardship and challenges. However, the world champion picked himself out of this situation and created his own brand with such media hype and excitement," it reads. He is more than what is seen in the media. He is an inspiration to the youth that even great heroes make mistakes but can change for the better and help those in need." Tyson has been described as the "most outrageous character in modern sporting history". It is unclear what the Home Affairs regulations are for allowing convicted criminals to enter SA but a US passport holder, by law, can get a tourist visa at the port of entry while a South African citizen applying for a US visa has to declare a criminal record - even if a pardon or amnesty has been granted - and undergo interviews. A US visa is one of the most difficult and expensive to obtain. SOURCE: IOL NEWS