When Did Mike Tyson Bite Ear?

Mike Tyson, one of the most iconic boxers in history, is known for his fierce fighting style and memorable moments in the ring. One of the most infamous incidents in his career was when he bit off a piece of Evander Holyfield’s ear during a fight. This article delves into the details of this event, exploring the circumstances, the aftermath, and the lasting impact it had on Tyson’s career and boxing as a whole.

The Incident

The fight in question took place on June 28, 1997, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Tyson and Holyfield were scheduled to fight for the WBA Heavyweight Championship. The fight was highly anticipated, as it was a rematch of their previous bout, which Holyfield had won.

During the third round of the fight, Tyson bit Holyfield’s left ear. The incident occurred when Holyfield was on the ground, and Tyson was standing over him. According to Holyfield, Tyson bit his ear as he was trying to get up. The referee, Mills Lane, immediately stopped the fight, and both fighters were taken to the hospital for medical attention.

The Aftermath

The incident sparked a massive controversy. Many boxing fans and experts were shocked by Tyson’s actions, and the fight was widely criticized. The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) suspended Tyson for one year and fined him $3 million. Holyfield received a $1 million fine and was suspended for six months.

Following the incident, Tyson issued a public apology, claiming that he had been influenced by the crowd’s boos and that he had been under the influence of drugs. However, many people remained skeptical of his explanation.

The Impact on Tyson’s Career

The ear-biting incident had a significant impact on Tyson’s career. After serving his suspension, he returned to the ring but was unable to regain the same level of success he had enjoyed earlier in his career. His fights became less frequent, and his popularity waned.

In 2002, Tyson announced his retirement from boxing. He later made a comeback in 2005 but was unable to recapture his former glory. Tyson’s career was marred by legal troubles and personal issues, and the ear-biting incident was often cited as a turning point in his life.

The Impact on Boxing

The incident also had a lasting impact on boxing as a sport. It raised concerns about the safety of fighters and the need for stricter regulations. The NSAC implemented new rules to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Additionally, the incident led to increased scrutiny of boxing promoters and the media. There was a growing awareness of the potential dangers of boxing, and many people began to question the ethics of the sport.

Conclusion

The ear-biting incident involving Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield remains one of the most infamous moments in boxing history. It not only had a profound impact on Tyson’s career but also on the sport of boxing as a whole. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of boxing and the need for stricter regulations to protect fighters.