VIDEO: Boxer Youness Baalla Attempts Mike Tyson’s Iconic Ear Bite at the Tokyo Olympics

Morocco’s heavyweight boxer Youness Baalla attempted to bite the ear of his rival, David Nyika, in their round of 16 clash at the Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday. The incident didn’t deter Nyika a bit as he progressed to the next round with an astounding victory.

It seems Baalla attempted the bite out of frustration of being ending on the losing side. The referee present there was also unaware of this incident at first.

“He didn’t get a full mouthful,” Nyika said. “Luckily he had his mouth guard in and I was a bit sweaty. I don’t remember what I said to him but I gave him a little bit of cheek.”

The New Zealander then mentioned a similar incident he had to deal with at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. “I have been bitten once on the chest before at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. But come on man, this is the Olympics,” he added.

Nyika said he felt like he was definitely bitten on the cheekbone, but he was laughing about the incident afterward, according to his coach, Billy Meehan.

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The officials disqualified Baalla later on Tuesday evening while stating he ‘very clearly intended to bite the ear/face of his opponent’ and described it as an ‘intolerable action’.

Baalla’s attempt brought back memories from the infamous Mike Tyson incident from 1997. The latter had bitten Evander Holyfield’s ear that skipped the eyes of the authorities at that time.

What’s next for David Nyika after getting past Youness Baalla?

Nyika advances to the quarterfinals in Tokyo after the impressive opening win. All five judges awarding the match 30-27 in his favor. The New Zealander will fight Uladzislau Smiahlikau of Belarus in the last eight on Friday.

“I did everything that I was hoping to do. The execution was up to par, so I’m happy with that,” Nyika said. “I know that the game plan we put together was exactly what it needed to be.”

“I’m pretty confident in my abilities, and it’s great to use some fight analysis stuff we’ve done, getting an idea of who I’m fighting, so I can prepare for the fight,” he further added.

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It will be interesting to see how far this Hamilton heavyweight goes after getting a perfect start. Can he go all the way and bring glory to his nation?

What’s your take on Baalla’s ear bite attempt? Let us know.