4. Tyson Bites Holyfield’s Ear
If you can’t beat em, then bit their ear off.
Evander Holyfield defeated Mike Tyson for the WBA heavyweight championship on November 9th 1996. At the post fight press conference Tyson said he had the upmost respect for Holyfield. That may have been true but it didn’t show in the 2nd bout between them.
The rematch between was held on June 28th 1997, nearly 20 years ago. Holyfield was dominating the bout when in the 3rd round Tyson came out without his mouth piece. He was ordered to put it back in, but it was clear Tyson knew what he was going to do. With 40 seconds left in the 3rd round the two were clinched when Tyson bit down and yanked out part of Holyfield’s ear. The bout was allowed to continue however, when ringside doctors said Holyfield could continue. Moments later Tyson did it again and this time the fight was finally stopped.
The official announcement of a disqualification wasn’t announced until almost 30min after the bout had ended. Tyson would later say he regretted his actions on this night.
