Mike Tyson's Ex-Coach Revealed Why he Bit Evander Holyfield's Ear Off

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The first fight didn't go without controversy, though, with Tyson complaining about receiving headbutts in the sixth and seventh rounds, both of which were judged as accidental.

Evander Holyfield vs Mike Tyson 2

The rematch that later came known as 'The Bite Fight'

A red mist seemed to descend on Tyson, and what came as a result, was possibly the most bizarre action ever seen in the ring. With 40 seconds remaining of the fourth round, as the two clinched, Tyson rolled his head above Holyfield's right shoulder before chomping down on the ear of his opponent.

As the champion leaped up and spun around in agony, his ear bleeding profusely, 'Iron Mike' spat the inch of cartilage he had torn off onto the ring apron. After a lengthy delay, Holyfield was cleared to continue and the fight resumed, though, not before Tyson was deducted two points for his antics. But this appeared to resonate very little with Mike, as he looked to even up the other side of his opponent's head, biting his left ear moments after the restart.

Teddy Atlas on Why Mike Tyson Bit Evander Holyfield's Ear

Atlas is the former coach of Tyson

Analyst and trainer Teddy Atlas worked with Tyson in his early years, meaning he should have a good idea of what was going on in Mike's head. Speaking on his podcast a few years back, Atlas stated: “We made a case that Mike could be intimidated. He would show it in different ways. He was intimidated by the manliness of Holyfield by biting his ear off. That’s why he bit his ear off, he was too much man for him. He was intimidated.”

Interestingly enough, Mike Tyson's biting habits reappeared in his recent, disappointing fight against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Although not in an aggressive manner, viewers spotted him nibbling on his gloves throughout the fight.