It will be his first fight since losing to Lennox Lewis in June.

The clash will take place at the Pyramid Arena in Memphis, where Tyson was stopped in the eighth round by the British world champion.

Tyson's manager, Shelly Finkel, said a press conference would be held on Tuesday in Memphis to formally announce the fight.

Tyson has not fought since losing to Lewis in a fight that drew a crowd of 15,327 and is considered the biggest sporting event in Memphis history.

He is likely to have more success against Etienne, who was knocked down twice but managed a draw in his last fight against Francois Botha in July.

Tyson has a rematch clause in his contract for the meeting with Lewis, though both boxers were allowed to take a fight before clashing again.

Lewis is expected to return to the ring in the spring to defend his WBC heavyweight title against number one contender Vitaly Klitschko.