LAS VEGAS, July 9: Mike Tyson's boxing license could be revoked, ``never to return,'' at a penalty hearing that could keep him out of the sport indefinitely for biting Evander Holyfield's ears.

Tyson might walk away from the hearing with no boxing license and no idea when he will be allowed to fight again if Nevada boxing officials follow a recommendation from prosecutors.

A quirk in Nevada law and the desire by boxing regulators to fine Tyson the maximum allowed means his license could be revoked for good instead of simply being suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

Tyson would be able to reapply after a year, and once a year after that, but there is no guarantee he would ever get the license back.

``The license will be gone forever, never to return,'' said Joe Rolston, the Deputy Attorney General prosecuting Tyson. ``The only way Mr Tyson can get it back is to reapply every year and the Commission will have to decide at that point.''

Other states would be required by a new federal law to honor Nevada's revocation, meaning the profession that has made Tyson US $ 140 million during the last two years could be in jeopardy.

``It's a very important decision and one each commissioner has to look to themselves to make,'' Commission member Dr James nave said. ``Suspension is suspension. Revocation is permanent.''

Tyson is expected to plead personally for his boxing career when the Commission meets in a packed City Hall council chambers.

``I only ask that this not be a lifetime ban,'' he said last week.The proceeding could take less time than the fight itself, which lasted three rounds, or could drag on for a few hours, depending on how Tyson's attorneys handle his defense. Commission members limited TV coverage to a single pool feed and issued media credentials in an effort to control the meeting.

The Commission basically has two options: suspend Tyson for upto five years and fine him a legal maximum of US $250,000, or revoke his boxing license a move that allows a maximum fine of $3 million.

``I don't think a suspension is a viable option because of the difference in the amount of money the Commission can fine Mr. Tyson,'' said Donald Haight, the Commission's legal adviser. ``I think most commissioners feel a $250,000 fine is really a mere pittance when you're looking at a $30 million purse.''The five commissioners have been tight-lipped about their intentions, saying they will wait to hear from Tyson and his attorneys before deciding what to do.

It is possible Tyson could still fight overseas while trying to get his license back, but because he's on probation he may not get permission to leave the country.

Public opinion, meanwhile, is still running against Tyson. The Athletic Commission said that by a 3-1 margin a heavy flow of letters and faxes were calling for stiff penalties for the former champion.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.