This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/9/2022
Easily one of the most notorious and controversial moments in a career filled with drama and intrigue, Tyson's WBA Heavyweight Championship defense against Evander Holyfield on June 28, 1997, is one of the more bizarre matches of his storied career. After defeating Bruce Seldon with a first-round knockout to win the WBA title, Tyson made his first title defense against Holyfield, himself a former champion. Holyfield entered the underdog and dominated Tyson for the first two rounds. During the third round, things took a different turn when Tyson emerged from his corner without his mouthpiece. After the referee instructed him to put it in, Tyson came out swinging. With 40 seconds remaining in the round, Holyfield got Tyson in a clinch, and Tyson responded by biting a huge chunk out of Holyfield's ear. Holyfield lept in pain, and the match was paused while his corner attended to him. Despite the bite, the referee allowed the fight to go on, with Holyfield winning the fight after the fight was stopped in the 11th round. The fight is colloquially known as "The Bite Fight," The fans at the MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas witnessed a post-fight melee as Tyson charged Holyfield's camp. For his actions, Tyson had his boxing license revoked. Eventually, Tyson and Holyfield would make amends on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2009. Offered here is a ticket stub from "The Bite Fight" between Holyfield and Tyson. The ticket features the famed pugilists standing side-by-side set against a black background. Ticket stub comes encapsulated and graded VG-EX 4 by PSA/DNA.