The 1997 rematch between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, both from the USA, is remembered not for a knockout, but for one of the most controversial moments in boxing history.
Billed as “The Sound and the Fury,” the bout took place on June 28, 1997, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The two heavyweight champions had already faced off once the previous year, when Holyfield shocked the world by defeating Tyson via 11th-round TKO.
Their rematch was expected to be Tyson’s redemption. Instead, it became infamous for a shocking act: Mike Tyson bit off a portion of Evander Holyfield’s ear during the third round. After receiving two warnings for headbutts (which Tyson felt were intentional by Holyfield), Tyson retaliated in a way no one could have expected.
The fight was temporarily halted after the first bite, but astonishingly, it resumed. Just seconds later, Tyson bit Holyfield again. At that point, referee Mills Lane disqualified Tyson, awarding Holyfield the victory in the third round.
Tyson was fined $3 million and had his boxing license temporarily revoked. The incident made global headlines and marked a major turning point in Tyson’s career, overshadowing the athleticism both fighters brought to the ring.
While there was no knockout in the fight, the drama and chaos cemented the bout as one of boxing’s most unforgettable moments.
