On 2 October 2000 the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) was incorporated directly into English law under the provisions of the Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA).
An early clue to the uncertainties likely to be created by the HRA was seen in the disciplinary action commenced by the British Boxing Board of Control against Mike Tyson. His Counsel, Geoffrey Robertson QC, attempted to characterise Mike Tyson as a potential "victim" under its provisions.
Although, Tyson was fined £125,000 for throwing punches after the bell following his fight with Lou Savarese, he was merely rebuked for his threat to "rip out" Lennox Lewis’ heart and "eat his children".
Geoffrey Robertson QC told the Board that, if Tyson was banned for life, it could be sued under Section 10 of the HRA. Tyson's words, according to Robertson, were "ludicrous and fantastical …not even a moron in a hurry would take the threat seriously".
