While it may not have seemed like it at the time, it turns out that biting off Evander Holyfield’s ear has been very profitable for Mike Tyson.
In 1997, Tyson and Holyfield met in what came to be known as the infamous ‘bite fight’.
3
Mike Tyson bit Evander Holyfield’s ear off in 1997Credit: AFP – Getty
The pair had clashed the previous year and Holyfield had come out on top, winning by eleventh round stoppage to claim the WBA heavyweight world title.
In the third round of the rematch, Tyson bit into Holyfield’s ear, tearing off a piece and spitting it into the ring, as ‘The Real Deal’ jumped up and down in agony.
Unbelievably, Tyson was allowed to continue with a two point deduction, but after he attempted to do the same to Holyfield’s left ear the fight was called off, which led to a mass brawl in the ring.
At the time, Tyson was fined $3million for the incident, but he revealed on Piers Morgan Uncensored on TalkTV that he has since earned more than that by taking photos pretending to bite fans ears.
“Listen, I don’t know if it was $30million, but it was more than the $3million that I got fined for it,” Tyson replied.
“That’s the new gimmick picture, every time kids, ladies, men, elderly ladies, elderly men, they say ‘take a picture biting my ear’ and I’m happy to be able to do it.”
3
The heavyweight duo are on good terms despite everythingCredit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank
3
The boxing legend even now sells cannabis edibles shaped like Holyfield’s bitten earCredit: Instagram
As for the relationship between Tyson and Holyfield, they are now on good terms after ‘Iron Mike’ apologised.
The pair even appeared in a TV commercial making fun of the incident, as Tyson shows up at Holyfield’s house and says, “I’m sorry Evander.” He then holds out a box and continues, “It’s your ear… I kept that in formaldehyde.”
Holyfield then thanks Tyson for the gift and they share a hug.
