Mike Tyson had one of sport’s craziest moments when he fought Evander Holyfield.
As Tyson challenged Holyfield for the WBA World Heavyweight title, no one could have expected what would’ve happened in their second meeting.
The first meeting between two of the greatest heavyweights of all time in 1996 would see Holyfield win via TKO in the 11th round to dethrone Tyson. However, the rematch would have a much different ending.
Rematching in June 1997, the bout would end in the third round. After Tyson incredibly bit the ear of Holyfield, he was disqualified.
Remarkably, it was just five years after Holyfield had a fight interrupted by a parachutist, meaning the former champion has been involved in two truly bizarre incidents.
However, Tyson has since revealed the reason why he performed the outrageous action.
- READ MORE: Mike Tyson posts touching tribute to fellow heavyweight legend George Foreman after his passing
Mike Tyson names reasons why he bit Evander Holyfield
Tyson’s infamous moment against Holyfield will likely never be forgotten in the history of sports due to its pure shock factor.
However, Tyson has given an explanation for the action, which can add some context to the extremely bizarre occurrence.
Speaking to GQ Sports, Tyson responded to online questions regarding the former heavyweight champion. This would include someone asking Tyson why he bit Holyfield.
Tyson answered by saying, “I got very frustrated and discouraged and stuff. And, he was head-butting me and I was really mad and I didn’t know what to do. I just exploded and I bit his ear.”
The knockout artist would then add, “I’m truly sorry.”
Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield laughed about ear biting incident
In an interview with Fox Sports, Tyson and Holyfield were brought together to discuss the infamous ear-biting incident of 1997.
Holyfield began by giving his recollection of the incident, with both men laughing as he told the story.
The then-champion said that his first reaction after the bite was, ‘I have to get him back.’
Then, Holyfield said that Tyson bit his other ear, to which ‘Iron Mike’ responded, “It wasn’t the same ear?”
Despite the viciousness of the incident, the two have had a good relationship years removed from the fight. This includes Tyson publicly apologizing to Holyfield, as well as the two of them joking about the bite.