Mike Tyson, now retired, was once an undisputed heavyweight world champion. When he was only 20 years old, he won the WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight titles, making him the youngest boxer to win all three titles. Tyson, however, is known for more than just his boxing achievements.
On this day, July 9th, in 1997, American boxer Mike Tyson was banned from professional boxing after biting off opponent Evander Holyfield’s ear.
Tyson lost his WBA crown to Holyfield in 1996, so their rematch a year later was understandably fierce. After biting Holyfield’s ear, Tyson was disqualified and lost the match. He issued an official apology after the incident, but Tyson still claimed Holyfield was at fault for repeated headbutting. Despite his pleas, Tyson’s boxing license was rescinded by a unanimous vote by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. He was ordered to pay the costs of the hearing in addition to a $3 million fine.