Boxer Accused Of Attempting To Bite Opponent’s Ear During Olympics

It isn’t often that you hear about a boxer biting his opponent’s ear outside of the Mike Tyson-Evander Holyfield debacle back in 1997.

During a boxing match at the Tokyo 2020 games, Youness Baalla allegedly attempted to bite David Nyika’s ear. Nyika won the fight 5-0 but he had a lot to say about Baalla’s alleged actions.

Here’s what Nyika said after the bout (h/t Euro Sport).

“Did you see that? I don’t think the ref saw it. She was the closest one. He didn’t get a full mouthful. Luckily he had his mouthguard in and I was a bit sweaty. I don’t remember what I said to him but I gave him a little bit of a cheek. I have been bitten once on the chest before at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. But c’mon man, this is the Olympics.”

Of course, fight fans are having flashbacks to June 28, 1997. On that date, Tyson challenged Holyfield in a rematch for the WBA Heavyweight Title. Back in November 1996, Holyfield stunned Tyson with an upset TKO victory to take the WBA gold.

The rematch between Tyson and Holyfield was highly anticipated. Fight fans expected a wild affair but they got more than they bargained for. In the third round, Tyson snapped after being headbutted by Holyfield. He ended up biting a small chunk of Holyfield’s ear off. Once referee Mills Lane realized that Tyson bit Holyfield twice, he disqualified “Iron” Mike.

Tyson had his boxing license from the Nevada State Athletic Commission revoked. He also had to pay a $3 million fine. His license ended up being restored the following year. Tyson and Holyfield have made amends since the incident and “Iron” Mike even pokes fun at it on occasion.

If Baalla did indeed attempt to bite Nyika’s ear, it’ll be interesting to see if he faces any consequences.