Meet the mates, the minders and the man called Crocodile

Steve 'Crocodile' Fitch, 'cheerleader'
Tyson's motivator-in-chief has served five years for manslaughter, a fact not lost on the opponents it is his job to intimidate. Clad in trademark combat fatigues, the Crocodile has been at ringside for all Tyson's big fights, for which he earns £150,000. In 1996 he was chased across a casino floor in Las Vegas by British fight fans after he stared at Frank Bruno while drawing a finger across his throat. Fitch also shouted "It's time to bite" shortly before Tyson took a chunk out of Evander Holyfield's ear.

Jay Bright, corner man
Bright met Tyson when the pair were taken in as teenagers by Cammille Ewald, a friend of the legendary trainer Cus D'Amato, the man who set Tyson on the road to the world heavyweight crown. Bright never showed much aptitude as a fighter, but has remained close to Tyson and took over as his corner man when Tyson was released from prison. He was in the corner when he knocked over Frank Bruno in 1996. Sacked after Tyson was defeated by Holyfield, but could now be reinstated to the key post.

Darryl Francis, 'personal assistant'
Francis has served time for assault and was recently implicated by animal welfare groups in the death of a ferret at the boxer's home. One of Tyson's oldest friends, Francis helps him avoid boredom at training camp.

Also with Tyson are his manager Shelly Finkel, trainer Tommy Brooks and a dozen minders. A further 18 people, including Tyson's wife, Monica, will arrive in the next week, swelling the camp to nearly 40 by the time it reaches Manchester.

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