But the Rev. Al Sharpton, who has been named as one of the event’s organizers, denied Tuesday that a parade and festival was ever planned for Tyson.

Councilwoman C. Virginia Fields released a statement Tuesday announcing a City Hall news conference scheduled for Wednesday calling for the cancellation of events celebrating and promoting Tyson in Harlem.

The statement said African-Americans Against Violence and black and Latino community members also would hold a vigil in Harlem on the eve of the Tyson event that would commemorate black women who have been victims of abuse and violence.

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Giuliani also criticized the idea of a parade or other festivities honoring Tyson’s return.

I don’t think a person released from jail or having been convicited of the kind of crime that he was convicted of should have a festive parade or reception home, the mayor said.

Tyson was convicted by an Indiana jury on charges of raping a 19-year-old beauty pageant contestant and served three years in prison before he was released in March. He has always contended that he is innocent.

Sharpton Tuesday said that he and others weren’t backing away in response to increasing criticism.

Tuesday night the New York Police Department said no application was ever made for a parade permit.