One of the most iconic and grotesque scenes in sports history took place on June 28, 1997 — Mike Tyson biting off a slice of Evander Holyfield’s ear.
Monday marks the 24-year anniversary of “The Sound and The Fury:” Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson 2. The event was subsequently referred to as “The Bite Fight” or “The Bite of ‘97” after Tyson was disqualified for biting off part of Holyfield’s ear.
“Iron” subsequently lost his boxing license, although it was later reinstated.
24-years ago today… pic.twitter.com/9GkM0hKEfg
— Rex Chapman (@RexChapman) June 28, 2021
The fight was a rematch of their original clash on Nov. 9, 1996, a blockbuster bout that Holyfield won via round technical knockout in round eleven despite being a sizeable underdog to win the WBA Heavyweight title.
In the aftermath of the bite, Tyson went on a 5-3 stint with one “No Contest” before retiring off a loss to Kevin McBride on June 11, 2005. “Iron” made an exhibition comeback in Nov. 2021, fighting to a split draw in an exhibition boxing bout vs. Roy Jones Jr. (watch highlights).
Holyfield fought 20 more times following the Tyson fight, retiring following a technical knockout win over Brian Nielsen on May 7, 2011.
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