Boxing promoters are trying to resurrect a show scrapped because convicted rapist Mike Tyson was heading the event.

Hove boxing coach Scott Welch, Tyson's security guard, and Lee Greenwood, of Greenwood Promotions, said they were in talks with Brighton and Hove City Council about the amateur bout, planned for the council-run Brighton Centre on March 22.

They are unsure if they will retract Tyson's invite or find another location if the council stands by its cancellation following an outcry from women's groups.

Mr Burgess decided to cancel the event after The Argus questioned Tyson's presence and his suitability as a role model for young boxers.

Tyson, convicted of rape in 1992, was to present trophies to winners and answer questions from fans.

Council leader Simon Burgess said the organisers had not spoken to him about saving the show and confirmed it would not be going ahead after they failed to return their contract.

He said: "It's a very clear position. Because they had not signed the contract and brought it in, we were able to say the event was cancelled. They have certainly not been talking to me. The council officers are very clear on our position. The event is not going ahead."

Coun Burgess, who has been in the post for a week, pulled the plug on Tuesday after complaints.

Mr Welch and Mr Greenwood told The Argus that Frank Bruno had confirmed he would also attend the night the show was called off.

They said they had not returned their contract but assumed the booking was confirmed when details of the show appeared on a ticket website last Friday.

A spokesman for the promoters said: "The guys are pretty crushed by this. They had been working hard on the event. On Tuesday we were told if we gave a donation to women's groups from the profits then it should be fine to go ahead, so we were very shocked and upset to hear the council has cancelled it.

"We apologise to anyone who has been caused offence by this but we hope the council can see the reasons why this star was chosen.

"It was the first in a series of events working with local communities and sports clubs. It wasn't about having someone infamous."

Women's groups greeted the news with jubilation.

Students' Union women's officer Sophie Conway Allen, of Sussex University, said: "It's nice to have a mini victory for women."

Gail Gray, chief executive of the Women's Refuge Project in Brighton, said: "We're very happy the council has finally decided to cancel the event.

"The project works in partnership with Brighton and Hove community safety team and the domestic violence forum to raise awareness and address domestic violence and abuse in the city. Had the council allowed Mike Tyson to attend this event, it would have been a direct contradiction to the very clear message that domestic violence is never acceptable."