Evander Holyfield's gloves from the night Mike Tyson bit his ear have sold for $38,704 in an auction at Lelands Sports Memorbilia in America.
The legendary heavyweight duo had a pair of fights in the late 90s, the second of which ended in disqualification after Tyson bit his opponent's ear as he struggled to get to grips with the fight. In their previous meeting, Holyfield had stooped Tyson to hand him just his second career loss, leading to mega-money rematch.
And now, one wealthy collector has bought a piece of boxing history as they have obtained Holyfield's gloves from the night in question. The former heavyweight champion defended his belt on the night wearing red Everlast gloves which were marked on the wrist by officials at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas where the fight took place.
The item listing on Lelands' website claims that the gloves are "no less than one of the most significant pair of boxing gloves in the sport's modern history." "Even a quarter-century later, the Heavyweight rematch between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson remains one of the most famous - or perhaps, infamous - bouts in boxing history," they continue.
"These crisp, red Everlast gloves were worn by 'The Real Deal' in that landmark contest, with Everlast logo sewn on each cuff, and a screened logo in white. Each has written on the cuff logo in black marker, 'Holyfield #1.' Light but definite use shown, not surprising as the bout lasted just those three rounds.
"A remarkable piece of pugilistic history. Solid provenance; property from the life and career of Evander Holyfield, these were previously sold at an auction where Holyfield consigned his personal pieces."
Holyfield and Tyson have since made up after the violent fight, with the New Yorker apologising for his dirty move. Holyfield has admitted that he himself bit an opponent during his amateur career, and understood the frustration as the fight was not going Tyson's way.
What do you make of the amount Evander Holyfield's gloves sold for at auction? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
Speaking with Holyfield on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2009, Tyson told his opponent that he was sorry for biting him. “This is a beautiful guy, me and this guy both come from basically the sewer," Tyson explained. "We watched each other grow to become established and esteemed fighters. And I just want you to know it’s been a pleasure passing through life being acquainted with you."
The bite took an inch of cartilage off of Holyfield's ear as he shrieked in pain in the middle of the ring. He has since claimed that a prophet "told him" his rival would do something to irritate him during the fight, but was not necessarily expecting a bite in his ear.
“A prophet told me that it would happen,” Holyfield said on the I Am Athlete podcast. “He’s going to do something to tick you off. You gotta keep your mind on the lord. In the ghetto, if they do something to you, you do it worse. People didn’t realise I was getting ready to bite him right in the doggone face! My grandmother always said, 'They always catch the second person'.”
