Mike Tyson opens up about getting past the infamous ear-bite incident with Evander Holyfield: "It's good to laugh at yourself sometimes"
Mike Tyson recently opened up about getting past his infamous ear-bit incident with Evander Holyfield and how he managed to make amends after what transpired. The incident was heavily publicized, especially considering the popularity of both competitors and damaged Tyson's public image.
The incident took place during their WBA heavyweight championship rematch at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 28, 1997. During the bout, 'Iron Mike' had complained about being headbutted on several occasions but the referee determined that they were unintentional.
Tyson then sought revenge by biting Holyfield's right ear and then bit his left-ear while in a clinch after the fight had resumed, which resulted in the referee disqualifying him.
In the years that followed, the former heavyweight boxing champions made amends with each other and have even made light of the situation through commercials and their post-credit cameo in the 2013 film 'Grudge Match'.
During his appearance on The Art of Ward, Tyson mentioned that it was important to get past the incident by embracing what transpired and poked fun at himself:
"That's what life is all about, you know what I mean? Not to take yourself serious. I learned that not to take myself too serious. It's good to laugh at yourself sometimes." [31:22]
Check out the full interview with Mike Tyson below:
Mike Tyson opens up about the importance of making amends
In addition to making amends with Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson has also sorted out things with both Teddy Atlas and Don King.
During the aforementioned appearance, Tyson opened up about the importance of making amends. He mentioned that it is a weight lifted off his shoulders and a sigh of relief.
"I don't want to have no hang ups. It's more for me than anyone else. You know, that's not having to do with those guys. It's just for cleaning my conscience...Yeah, I'm cool...[Kings'] my next door neighbor." [33:12]
Check out Teddy Atlas' post featuring a picture with a young Mike Tyson below: