Remembering Tyson-Holyfield II

SI Staff | Jun 29, 2012

Remembering Tyson-Holyfield II

John Iacono/SI

Mike Tyson may go down as one of the top fighters in boxing history, but he will forever be remembered for the 1997 fight in which he bit off a chunk of Evander Holyfield's ear. It was the second fight between the two rivals; Holyfield had upset Tyson with an 11th round TKO in the first fight seven months earlier. In the rematch, Tyson was disqualified after the third round for biting and a near riot broke out in the ring afterwards. Fifteen years later, SI looks back at the memorable night.

JEFF HAYNES/AFP/Getty Images

Referee Lane Mills steps in to separate the two boxers after Tyson bit Holyfield's ear in the third round.

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

As Holyfield retreated to his corner, he is shoved by a frustrated Tyson.

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

Lane examines Holyfield's ear immediately after it was bitten.

Manny Millan/SI

After learning he was disqualified, an irate Tyson charges Holyfield's corner.

Gary Hershorn REUTERS

Tyson takes a swing at a Las Vegas policeman during the postfight melee.

Tyson handlers' attempting to restrain their fighter.

AP Photo/Lennox McLendon

Tyson reacts to the crowd as he leaves the ring.

Jack Dempsey/AP

A photographer gets a close-up shot of Holyfield's ear as he walks to the locker room following the fight.

V.J. Lovero/SI

Sports Illustrated captures the controversial moment on its cover the week after the fight.