Evander Holyfield has offered insight into his relationship with Mike Tyson, insisting he always considers the two-time rival a friend.
Holyfield revealed that he’s often baffled by the surprise shown when he and ‘Iron Mike’ get close in public and insists he lets things go a long time ago.
Talking to iFL TVHolyfield says:
“Mike and I, we come together and everyone is very happy. Mike and I have always been friends, I don’t know why boxing makes you enemies.”
“I was never his enemy, he was always good to me. Everything happens, when I fight and they’re bigger than me, if I can’t get them out, the first thing I’ll do is bite someone to get them off me!”
“I don’t feel offended, it’s just part of life – these things happen.”
‘The Real Deal’ and ‘Iron Mike’ were two key players in the heavyweight golden era of the 1990s and locked horns in 1996 and 1997, with the latter ending due to the most infamous incidents. in the history of this sport.
After Holyfield won their first meeting in 11th minute of stoppage time, early signs suggested the rematch would come to a similar conclusion as Holyfield pushed Tyson back through the opening sequences and unleashes many painful blows.
Then, in the third round, a moment of madness hit Tyson that, for all the wrong reasons, would go down in sports history.
Annoyed at Holyfield’s use of his head that resulted in a cut in his right eye, Tyson set his teeth on the defending champion – twice.
With a piece of Holyfield’s right ear somewhere on the ring canvas and blood spilling from the bewildered Alabama man, referee Mills Lane disqualified Tyson at halftime.
A quarter of a century on, the couple are now business partners as well as good friends, launched their own cannabis-matching brand – shaped like an ear.
