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Mike Tyson's Controversial Disqualifications: The Phantom Punch and the Post-Bell Blow
The Phantom Punch
In one of the most bizarre moments in boxing history, Mike Tyson was disqualified in his 1997 rematch against Evander Holyfield for biting off a piece of Holyfield's ear. The incident occurred in the third round, after Tyson had been repeatedly head-butted by Holyfield. Frustrated and enraged, Tyson snapped and committed one of the most infamous acts in sports.
Tyson claimed that Holyfield's head-butts were intentional and had caused him to lose control. However, replays showed that Holyfield's head-butts were more accidental than malicious. Nonetheless, Tyson's actions were inexcusable and rightfully resulted in his disqualification.
The Post-Bell Blow
In another controversial incident, Tyson was disqualified in his 2000 fight against Lennox Lewis for hitting Lewis after the bell had rung to end the eighth round. The blow knocked Lewis down, and Tyson was immediately disqualified.
Tyson claimed that he did not hear the bell and that he only hit Lewis after Lewis had pushed him. However, replays clearly showed that Tyson hit Lewis after the bell had rung. Once again, Tyson's actions were inexcusable and resulted in his disqualification.
The Aftermath
Tyson's disqualifications had a significant impact on his career. He was stripped of his WBA and WBC heavyweight titles, and his reputation was tarnished. Tyson's actions also cast a negative light on boxing and raised questions about the sport's safety.
Tyson eventually returned to the ring and won several more fights, but he never regained the same level of success that he had before his disqualifications. Tyson's legacy is forever tainted by these controversial incidents, which serve as a reminder that even the greatest athletes can make mistakes that have lasting consequences.
Conclusion
Mike Tyson's disqualifications are a cautionary tale about the dangers of losing control in the ring. Tyson's actions not only cost him two victories but also damaged his reputation and cast a negative light on the sport of boxing.