It’s been nearly 25 years since the infamous Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield ear bite incident. Recently, Tyson revealed that he earned $9 million from the photographs after the ‘Bite Fight’ incident.

This revelation was made in a clip that was posted on the page of one of his business ventures, Tyson 2.0. Tyson was talking to Cheddar News. promoting his ear shaped edibles called ‘Mike Bites.’

In conversation with Tyson about his latest launch, one of the hosts asked him, “They come nearly 25 years after, of course you were disqualified from the World Boxing Association heavyweight champion for biting your opponent’s ear. Why Mike did you decide to go in this direction for the edibles?”

In reply, Tyson said, “I’m owning my responsibility. I’ve done that. That was pretty bad at the time, but I turned it over to make it pretty good.”

Tyson further delved into the incident and its aftermath. Moreover, Tyson paid $3 million in fines plus legal fees for the incident.

“You have to think I lost $3 million dollars for the ear bite.” Tyson said.

However, he further added, “I must have, I don’t know, triple it by then. Just by taking pictures biting people’s ears.”

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An earful with Mike Tyson

The bout, which was later infamously referred to as ‘The Bite Fight,’ was a turning point in Tyson’s life. The Nevada State Athletic Commission revoked his boxing license.

However, the incident gave rise to a new craze among Tyson’s fans. Fans thronged to get their pictures with Tyson, paving way to the iconic ear bite pose.

In turn, this helped Tyson earn more money than he lost in fines.

Tyson, Holyfield and an earlobe

Tyson was facing Evander Holyfield for the second time at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on the 28th of June 1998. The bout, which had over 1.9 million pay-per-view buyers, lasted only 3 rounds.

However, the viewers were treated to one of the most disreputable moments in sports history. Holyfield’s technical prowess ensured that the first two rounds were in his favor. Holyfield had Tyson in a clinch during the third round. This was when Tyson shocked viewers by biting Holyfield’s right ear off.

Millions of boxing fans watched in horror as Tyson spat the piece of the ear inside the ring.

However, it seems that Holyfield will not be getting any share of profits from the sales. When asked about the same, Tyson replied saying, “I don’t know. It’s technically not his ear. So I don’t think so.”

WATCH THIS STORY – Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson 2: 5 Intriguing Facts You Need To Know About ‘The Bite’ Fight