The Sidelines : Tyson Fights Lawsuit Alleging He Assaulted Woman in Club

NEW YORK —  Mike Tyson’s latest bout began today in a courtroom where jurors considered claims that the former heavyweight champion assaulted a woman at a dance club.

Tyson disputes all allegations in the $4.5-million civil lawsuit, which his attorney called a “stickup.” The boxer is expected to testify in his defense.

The lawsuit, which went to trial in U.S. District Court, was filed by Sandra Miller, a 26-year-old Brooklyn woman, who claims that Tyson “forcibly fondled” and cursed at her after she refused his advances at Bentley’s Disco early Dec. 10, 1988.

Her attorney, Alan Clark, said she decided to sue the boxer to “punish him and deter him . . . and to tell him this will not happen to another woman again.”

Tyson’s attorney, Robert Hirth, said the incident never happened. He said such an incident would have drawn dozens of witnesses because Tyson was mobbed by fans all night.