The infamous 1997 showdown between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson has resurfaced again for a subtler controversy involving Holyfield’s headbutt. Despite over two decades since the infamous incident, opinions and perspectives on the incident have not stopped pouring. Recently it was a Hollywood star who gave his two cents on the incident.

Tyson had at the time claimed that Holyfield’s alleged head-butting was the source of his frustration which led him to bite Holyfield’s ear off, something for which he was fined $3 million subsequently. Holyfield himself denied any wrongdoing on his part that would have provoked Mike Tyson to act so viciously. However, Michael Jai White seems to disagree. The actor in a recent interview gave his take on the controversy. Who does he claim is at fault?

Michael Jai White adds his two cents to the Evander Holyfield head-butting controversy

White suggested that Holyfield is “slick” but the head-butting might have been retaliatory, recalling the situation and understanding it. When the interviewer mentioned Tyson’s claim of losing the second fight before biting Holyfield, White acknowledged it. “It might’ve been retaliatory. I get it, I remember,” said White.

Holyfield, in a previous statement, had emphasized that Tyson intentionally head-butted him during the match. According to the ‘Real Deal’, things like these happen when two boxers step forward to fight. White responded to Holyfield’s statement. He believed that Tyson was doing well in the fight but also noticed Holyfield backing to the ropes.

The conversation delved into the controversy surrounding the match and the perceived actions of both fighters. One would think such an incident would have made a permanent impact on the equation between the duo. Seemingly not.

How has the incident affected the relationship between the two legends?

Despite the past animosity, ‘Iron’ Mike and Holyfield have since buried the hatchet, even reuniting on the Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson podcast to reminisce about their historic bouts. In a candid conversation, Tyson openly admits to head-butting Holyfield in their first clash. Holyfield shares a piece of advice from his mother, encouraging him to smile through the head-butts, as displaying pain would invite further aggression.

Read More: “Life Is About Pretending and…”: Over Two-Decades Later, Evander Holyfield Once Again Claps Back at Mike Tyson for Accusing Him of Intentionally Headbutting

In an unexpected turn, the former heavyweight rivals have partnered together to promote their cannabis company, Tyson 2.0, incorporating Tyson’s existing partnership with Carma Holdings Co. Their inaugural product, ‘Holy Ears’, is an all-natural, vegan, and gluten-free offering available in THC, Delta 8, and various hemp-cannabinoid varieties.

Both sides are adamantly claiming their argument to be the truth. However, reality is something that only the fighters know. What are your opinions? We would love to hear them. Tell us in the comments below.

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