What happened to Mike Tyson after he bit Evander Holyfield?

By Arslan Saleem March 23, 2024 03:58

Photo by REUTERS / Alamy Stock Photo

In 1997, the world of boxing was rocked by one of the most bizarre and controversial moments in the sport's history - Mike Tyson's biting of Evander Holyfield's ear during their highly anticipated rematch.

The Bite Fight

On June 28, 1997, Mike Tyson faced Evander Holyfield in a much-anticipated rematch in Las Vegas.

The fight took an unexpected turn in the third round when Tyson shocked fans and officials by biting Holyfield's ear, leading to his disqualification from the match.

Fallout and Legal Consequences

Following the disqualification, the Nevada State Athletic Commission revoked Tyson's boxing license in a unanimous voice vote and fined him $3 million for the biting incident.

This marked a significant turning point in Tyson's career as he was no longer able to fight and faced substantial financial penalties.

Legal Battles and Personal Challenges

Shortly after the court ruling, Tyson found himself in the hospital with a broken rib and a punctured lung after a motorcycle accident in Connecticut.

Also, Tyson was ordered to pay boxer Mitch Green $45,000 for a 1988 street-fighting incident. These legal and personal challenges further compounded the difficulties in Tyson's life post the infamous biting incident.

Lawsuits and Controversies

In the aftermath of the biting incident, Tyson was embroiled in multiple legal battles and controversies.

He filed lawsuits against his former managers and promoter, as well as faced assault charges related to vehicular incidents.

On top of that, Tyson was involved in legal disputes with individuals who accused him of verbal and physical abuse.

Attempts at Redemption

Despite the legal and personal turmoil, Tyson sought to redeem himself by applying for a boxing license in New Jersey and filing for reinstatement of his boxing license in Nevada. But these attempts were met with challenges and further setbacks.

Financial Challenges and Career Decline

The biting incident had a significant impact on Tyson's career and financial well-being. While he filed lawsuits against his promoter and former managers, Tyson never won another major fight in his career. His financial troubles were exemplified by the hefty fines and legal battles he faced post the biting incident.

Public Image and Boxing Legacy

The fallout from the biting incident significantly tarnished Tyson's public image. The press and public reaction to the incident were intense, with calls to ban Tyson from boxing for life and his portrayal as a controversial figure.

This incident also had a lasting impact on the boxing community and how Tyson is remembered in the sport's history.

In the aftermath of the infamous biting incident, Mike Tyson's life and career took a tumultuous turn. Legal battles, financial challenges, and attempts at redemption marked this phase of Tyson's journey.

The biting incident not only impacted Tyson's boxing career but also had a profound effect on his public image and legacy in the world of sports.

The repercussions of the biting incident reverberated throughout Mike Tyson's life and career, leaving an indelible mark on his legacy in the world of boxing.