Mike Tyson-Evander Holyfield: The Bite of Your Life

Evander Holyfield Gives Mike Tyson an Earful

There is no doubt that thanks to Mike Tyson’s carnivorous habits that I could go on and on with these silly puns.  Who could forget that night in 1997 when Tyson sank his chompers into Evander Holyfield’s ear during their highly anticipated rematch prize fight?  I sat in my college house with a roomful of guys as we looked on with wonderment when we realized that Tyson had actually BITE Holyfield’s ear.  Then it happened again!!

Holyfield-Tyson II became known as The Bite Fight in public lore.  It has been so cemented in popular culture that it has even been referenced on my kid’s favorite cartoon, Disney channel’s, Phineas and Ferb.  Actually, after seeing Holyfield on the cartoon, my oldest son asked me why Tyson bite his ear?

That was everyone’s immediate question.  Although, it was easy to see why as it somewhat answers itself.

1. Mike Tyson was fighting someone who had already beaten him
2. Evander Holyfield was a person Tyson, for the first time in his life, was unable to intimidate in or out of the ring
3. It’s Mike Tyson.

“Iron” Mike had been unstable his entire life.  Why would anyone be shocked that he went all Twilight Saga on his opponent?

It has been 15 years since that confusing night in Las Vegas.  Holyfield’s ears may have healed, but one has to wonder if the anger of being maimed by Tyson even would?  When you consider Holyfield’s strong Christian faith, it is no surprise the he was willing to let bygones be just that.  Not to mention, in this lightning-fast media crazy world, it is good for business.

Holyfield played model and took to Twitter with a picture of himself wearing a Mike Tyson face tattoo inspired T-shirt from Tyson’s clothing line.  He provided the following tongue-in-cheek caption:

@MikeTyson bit my ear and all I got was this lousy t-shirt.

It’s nice to see that he can now laugh about it.  Holyfield, who now has a BBQ line of his own, got some celebrity support as well for his Real Deal BBQ sauce when Tyson gave it two thumbs up.

I guess it’s great on ribs, chicken, and ear.

Rich Currao is a Content Writer for www.Rantsports.com.   A life-time rink rat, Big Bipper covers the NHL, AHL, and NCAA Hockey.  He also covers the NFL and High School Football.

Follow him on Twitter and connect with him on Facebook.