Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion, aged 20

The former world heavyweight champion spoke only to give his name and his date of birth during a hearing before Maricopa Superior Court, Arizona.

Tyson was indicted on felony drug possession, paraphernalia possession and two misdemeanour counts of driving under the influence of drugs.

If convicted of all four charges, he faces up to seven years in prison.

The charges stem from Tyson's 29 December arrest in Scottsdale.

He was pulled over after leaving a nightclub and an officer allegedly found bags of cocaine in his back pocket.

They also found another package in a packet of cigarettes in his car, according to court records. He is due back in court 26 February.

Tyson, who recently resumed his ring career for a series of four-round exhibitions, became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at 20 in 1986.