Where were you on June 28, 1997, when Mike Tyson infamously bit off Evander Holyfield’s ear? The controversy caused “Iron Mike” to be disqualified from the match, losing his boxing license in the process. The bizarre moment marked a downturn in boxing in terms of relevance. It was also a downturn in Mike Tyson’s career.
However, the sport is garnering more attention, with Tyson facing off against Jake Paul. Paul himself is no stranger to controversy; he and his brother, Logan Paul, are known for outlandish YouTube skits and bits.
But let’s turn back to the “Bite Heard ‘Round the World.” How did this strange event make the Paul-Tyson match come full circle? Let’s take a bite out of one of Tyson’s most infamous events.
Revisiting the Mike Tyson/Evander Holyfield Fight
Mike Tyson was going up against Evander Holyfield in a rematch. Previously, Holyfield got the upper hand in 1996, so it was fair for Tyson to get his revenge.
What’s more bizarre is the two sides initially agreed to fight in the early 1990s. However, issues such as Tyson losing to Buster Douglas and Tyson’s rape conviction in 1991 halted the match.
“Iron Mike” alleged he was headbutted numerous times in the rematch, which referee Mills Lane ruled incidental. Then, the bite happened in the third round, with ‘The Real Deal” losing a bit of his ear. As a result, the native of Atmore, Alabama, wins via disqualification. Some say Tyson got disqualified as a means to get out of the fight.
The match tarnished Tyson’s reputation, labeling him as a dirty fighter. Meanwhile, Holyfield would go on to have a rivalry with Lennox Lewis before losing his boxing license due to “diminishing skills.”
Both fighters have attempted comebacks, with Holyfield taking on the likes of Jeremy Bates (2006) and Vinny Maddalone (2007) before retiring in 2012. Both were victories for the legendary fighter from Alabama.
As for Tyson, his comeback comes against a brash YouTube star in Jake Paul. The public perception of the former WBC champion has changed, with the public loosening up on him.
What About Now?
Now, Mike Tyson is the good guy. The public is rooting for “Iron Mike” to take down Jake Paul, hoping the legendary boxer still has it. Will the 57-year-old step up to the challenge?
In any case, Tyson is getting a shot at redemption. Lessons learned from the former WBC champion’s “ear bite,” it’s a chance to take care of a controversial internet celebrity intent on taking out retired MMA fighters and further restoring goodwill.
Who knows? Maybe Tyson gets his Hollywood ending. The cocky, brash Paul has been himself up against older fighters, after all. Perhaps the 57-year-old has one more in him.
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