Larger-than-life promoter Don King hoped the Mike Tyson-Evander Holyfield rematch would go down in history as a bout known as “The Sound And The Fury.” Instead, the fight was soon to be given an unofficial tag line: that of “The Bite Fight!” It was fourteen years ago today at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas that former champ Tyson did the unthinkable and bit defending champ Holyfield’s ear in that shockingly surreal 3rd-round. Frustrated, he later said, by “The Real Deal’s” persistent head-butts, “Iron” Mike lost his cool and sought to hurt Holyfield any way he could. Due to the way he was outclassed and ultimately stopped by the former undisputed cruiserweight king in their first encounter seven months ago (Tyson-Holyfield II was originally set for May of ’97, but was postponed; some said so Tyson could have more time to get into shape), Tyson knew he was unable to sufficiently hurt the heavyweight ruler with his fists. So, that fateful 3rd-round, with millions watching around the world, “The Baddest Man On The Planet” went out and sunk his gold teeth into his rivals’ right ear. No-one, least of all referee Mills Lane, knew what was happening at first. Evander jumped up into the air, in obvious pain, and Tyson waved him in. Lane then saw Tyson spit out a portion of Holyfield’s ear, as did the watching world. A time-out was called but any hopes anybody had that Tyson would regain the ability to think like a human being were short lived; as Tyson bit his opponent’s left ear once the fight was allowed to continue. That was more than enough for anyone and the fight was stopped. Tyson, still enraged and acting like a lunatic, wasn’t content with his having permanently disfigured Holyfield (as well as shoving him from behind when Evander was walking back to his corner after the initial bite), he then threw stray punches at the quickly-formed throng in the ring, as he again tried to get to Holyfield. The scenes were as unforgettable as they were sickening. Read more: http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=28463&more=1
