Mike Tyson Hugs The Referee Who Disqualified Him For Biting Evander Holyfield's Ear

Mike Tyson has been pictured hugging the referee who disqualified him for his infamous biting incident involving Evander Holyfield over 23 years ago.

In 1997, when 'Iron Mike' was at the peak of his global fame, he made headlines for all the wrong reasons during his heavyweight title fight with reigning champion Holyfield at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

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With the WBA crown on the line, millions tuned in to watch arguably one of the biggest fights in the sport's unrivalled history.

But the bout was cut agonisingly short when a raging Tyson bit the ear of Holyfield during a clinch, resulting in referee Mills Lane disqualifying fan favourite Tyson and awarding the victory to his rival.

The image of a chunk missing from Holyfield's ear has become iconic in the sports world - a synonymous moment which somewhat encapsulates Tyson's wild nature during the height of his prominence.

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At the time, Tyson wasn't happy with the fight official's decision, citing Holyfield's use if the head as the reason for his bite and subsequent DQ.

"Regardless of what I did, he's been headbutting me for two fights," Tyson told Sky Sports Box Office in the aftermath of the bloody war.

"I addressed it in the ring.

"Look at me (gesturing towards the cut above his eye) I gotta go home to my kid who's gonna be scared of me look at me man.

"Holyfield is not the tough warrior everyone says he is, he got a little nick on his ear and he quit.

"I got one eye and he not impaired, he's got ears, if he takes one I've got another one I'm ready to fight."

While Tyson's appeals fell on deaf ears, many fans watching from all over the globe thought that referee Lane made the correct call - I mean, what other choice did he have?

And now it appears Tyson has buried the hatchet too.

A picture has emerged on the internet of Tyson embracing former boxing referee Lane as the two seemingly put the 23-year-old incident behind them.

People were quick to show love for the heartwarming photo as it was shared by thousands on social media.

After all, time is the best healer.

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Topics: Mike Tyson, Boxing, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry