Mike Tyson Banned From Boxing On This Day in 1997

On this day in 1997 Mike Tyson was banned from boxing by the Neveda State Athletic Commission and fined 3 million dollars for biting Evander Holyfields ear.

Tyson claimes he was tired of all of the illegal headbutts that Holyfield had been dishing out so he retaliated by bitting his right ear in the the last 40 seconds of the third round. The referee called time out a doctor came in checked out Holyfield and stated that Holyfield could continue the fight. Tyson was deducted two points and they continued. Within seconds of the match restarting Tyson bit Holyfields left year. This time the fight was not stopped and the third round ended.

A fourth round was never started, instead the fight was called and the victory was awarded to Holyfield.

An outraged Tyson tried once again to attack Holyfield but was stopped short by security and police.

In 2009 Tyson made a public apology to Holyfield on the Oprah show.