Former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson fooled his fans into thinking that he was planning to have his facial tattoo removed with laser treatment.

The 46-year-old, who is widely recognised for the tribal ink on the left side of his face, even tried to trend #GoodbyeMikeTysonTattoo on social network site Twitter when he announced his decision during April Fools' Day.

The retired boxer tweeted: "At the doctors office this morning. Getting this tattoo removed from my face. This is going to be painful."

Tyson later added: "Ok. April Fools. There is no #GoodbyeMikeTysonTattoo. This tattoo is with me forever."

Tyson is thought to have had the tattoo applied to his forehead and left cheek in 2003.