(Image source from: Is Mike Tyson really poaching boxers?})

Being controversy's favorite child, it didn't take long for the former boxing champion Mike Tyson  to ruffle a few feathers as he assumed his new role of a boxing promoter.

And the first person to come swinging at him was the head honcho of USA Boxing who addressed an open letter to the former Olympian, accusing him of poaching fighters who could be fitful candidates for the U.S. Olympic team in 2016.

“Dr. Charles Butler said in the letter that recently formed Iron Mike Productions has been offering money to the best amateur fighters to turn pro, in particular an 18-year-old who some in amateur boxing believe to be the country’s best hope for a gold medal at the Rio games. He says the money being offered is "pennies on the dollar" of what the prospects could be worth with an Olympic medal,” reported the Bennington Banner.

"Mike, USA Boxing does not have the funds to compete with your offers," the letter said. "If you have money and would like to assist these young athletes and the sport, you should donate for athlete stipends to support the training of these boxers and help your country regain its prominence on the medal stand. Please do not take them from us. If they win a medal for their country, you can always sign them to professional contracts at that time."

Tyson did not immediately return a phone call, and publicist Joann Mignano said he would not be commenting. Mignano confirmed, though, that Iron Mike Promotions signed Florida fighter Erickson Lubin on Tuesday, his 18th birthday.

AW: Suchorita Dutta