Tyson - Holyfield II (What really happened)

'Iron' Mike Tyson - 'Real Deal' Evander Holyfield II , 28.06.1997, "The Bite Fight"

Winner : Evander Holyfield by disqualification

It's the night that all boxing fans will remember as Tyson showed his ferocious personality and was disqualified for biting off a part of Holyfield's ear. The fight took place 9 months after the first match, which ended in a shocking fashion as Mike was TKO'd in the 11th round. Many people blamed the referee who didn't punish Holyfield, who was using his head illegaly. Early in the fight 'Real Deal' headbutted Mike and that resulted in a big cut over Tyson's eye. 'Iron' Mike was left for dead as he fought the rest of the fight only with one eye.

The rematch, however, turned into massacre. Holyfield again went for the kill using his head, re-doing what he had done in the first fight and he opened a new cut over Mike's eye. The Baddest Man on the Planet returned the favour in the 3rd round. Nothing gave a signal or showed Mike's intentions. He was landing some big counter hooks and right hands, the crowd was screaming and Holyfield was frustrated. The two fighters went into a clinch as Mike (who had left his mouthpiece in his corner!) moved his head beyong Holyfield's left shoulder and bit his ear. Then he spit what he had bitten off and showed it to referee Mills Lane, who was even more frustrated than Holyfield. The referee stopped the fight and was about to call it off and disqualify Mike, as the ring doctor said that Holyfield could continue. 2 points were deducted from 'Iron' Mike, who said that it was a result of a punch, but the referee countered him - "Bullshit!".

The 3rd round continued as Mike frustrated Holyfield even more biting him for the second time. This was turning into a nightmare for both fighters. The fact is that Tyson was making it. He removed his mouthpiece, which obviosly showed that he had the "biting" intention. Mills Lane ended the fight in favour of Holyfield as he disqualified Mike for biting his opponent... twice!

Some people think that Tyson behaved like an animal and showed bad qualities - both boxing and mental. According to others - he got back at Holyfield for headbutting him. What would you decide? It's your call!

Boxing Defense List

Although boxing is considered to be an offensive and attacking sport, defense is still a major element of every fighter. When I write "defense" I don't mean only the hands of the boxer, but also his legs and reflexes. Defense doesn't only mean blocking punches, but also avoiding and parrying them. Taking hits on the gloves, ducking, bobbing and weaving - these are all essential parts of the boxer's defense line and his boxing capabilities. I'll try to list most of the defensive styles and maybe find some real-life examples.

• Peek-a-boo

Peek-a-boo defensive style was invented by legendary trainer Cus D'Amato and was efectively aplied on Mike Tyson. Most Peek-a-boo boxers count on fast feet and reflexes, as this defensive style requires more footwork rather than using the hands as a protective shield. The hands are put in front of the face so that they can take jabs as the boxer uses his hips to lift his upper body up and down and move left and right to duck punches, get on the inside and use rising hooks and uppercuts to finish his opponent. One of the best Peek-a-boo examples is Mike Tyson.

• Crossed Arms

Crossed armes is not a widely used defensive technique and it's not very popular among boxers, because it is ment to give 100% head protection, but the body is left open and is practicaly defenseless. The hands are placed in the form of the letter "X" in front of the face and cover all the surface from the top to the shoulders. Boxers aply this defense only when they are in serious trouble in order to avoid taking too much head damage until they survive the attack. One of the guys using this defense was George Foreman.

• Crab (Shell)

The Crab (Shell) is one of the most difficult defense styles to learn, because it resides on very quick reflexes, quick feet and great body movement. The shell includes using your armes and one shoulder as a protective shield. For the orthodox boxers you have to put your left hand around your stomach and the right elbow should be standing on your wrist. The right hand protects the mouth and the cheeks as you lift one of your shoulders and stick it next to your cheek. This way your shoulder takes the hit and you can always counter your opponents. Mix this style with bobbing, weaving and stepping back when you want to avoid punches. Probably the best example is Floyd Mayweather.