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WATCH: 20 Years Ago Today, Mike Tyson Brutally Bites Evander Holyfield's Ear

WATCH: 20 Years Ago Today, Mike Tyson Brutally Bites Evander Holyfield's Ear

The anticipated rematch was dubbed the 'bite fight.'

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

A few months prior to the anticipated rematch in 1997, Evander Holyfield dethroned Mike Tyson and claimed the WBA heavyweight world title setting up a highly-charged sequel. The fight was one of the biggest bouts in the sport with a then-record pay-per-view audience tuning in. Though the heavyweight title fight produced a unsatisfactory and highly controversial ending.

Holyfield vs. Tyson II was eventually dubbed as 'Bite Fight.'

After suffering a shocking upset defeat to Buster Douglas, Tyson reeled off eight consecutive victories while picking up the WBA and WBC heavyweight titles.

A victorious Tyson celebrates beating Bruno. Image: PA

While some suggested Holyfield was on the decline, the Alabama-native still had plenty left in the tank. And he proved that by beating Tyson in their first meeting.

Holyfield earned the 11th round stoppage yet his victory was subject to complaints from Tyson who protested at the amount of alleged head-butts.

And the second bout was under more scrutiny following the clash of heads. Tyson suffered a cut by his right eye, and showed urgency heading to the third round.

Tyson was bobbing and weaving his way through Holyfield's attacking advances, with constant tie ups preventing a fluid fight. The challenger was fighting at a frantic pace landing hooks and jabs on the champion until the pair, yet again, tied up.

And just before the referee intervened, Tyson took a chunk out of Holyfield's ear.

Credit: Sky Sports

Needless to say, Holyfield reacted angrily and was clearly unhappy. Referee Miles Lane halted the bout, delibearing with both fighters, camps as well as the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

While it appeared he called the fight off, Lane then issued a two-point deduction to Tyson with both fighters seeing out round three. Though Line then disqualified Tyson after he bit Holyfield's other ear moments later.

Not just one of the most controversial moments in boxing but in sports, period.

Tyson biting Holyfield's ear remains etched into the history of the storied heavyweight division.

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