Mike Tyson & Evander Holyfield II Signed Ticket June 28, 1997 The Sound and the Fury Promotional Paperweight – COA JSA

Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson II, billed as the Sound and the Fury and afterwards infamously referred to as The Bite Fight, was a professional boxing match contested between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson on June 28, 1997, for the WBA Heavyweight Championship. It achieved notoriety as one of the most bizarre fights in boxing history after Tyson bit off a part of Holyfield’s ear. Tyson was disqualified from the match and lost his boxing license, though it was later reinstated.

Holyfield vs. Tyson II was billed as “The Sound and The Fury.” Holyfield won this infamous bout when Mike Tyson was disqualified in the 3rd round after biting off a piece of Holyfield’s ear. The fight was held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on June 28, 1997.  The fight was originally scheduled for May 3, 1997, but it was postponed until June 28 due to a cut Tyson suffered over his left eye during training. Tyson was rocked in the first round by a right. In the second round, Tyson threw a right as Holyfield was starting to throw a left hook. As Tyson leaned into the punch and Holyfield ducked it, their heads came together and opened a cut over Tyson’s right eye. Referee Mills Lane called time and informed ringside officials that the cut was caused by a headbutt.

After losing the first two rounds on all three official scorecards, Tyson was doing better in the third, catching Holyfield with a couple of good rights. But in the final minute of the round, while the two were tied up, Tyson bit a chunk out of Holyfield’s right ear. Holyfield stepped back and jumped in the air, twirling around. Tyson then walked up behind Holyfield and pushed him into the ropes. Lane stopped the action and deducted two points from Tyson, who told Lane that the damage to Holyfield’s ear was caused by a punch. “Bullshit!” Lane replied. When the action resumed, Tyson bit Holyfield’s left ear. At the end of the round, when Lane saw the bite mark on Holyfield’s left ear, he disqualified Tyson.

This is an original promotional ticket which showcases both fighters Tyson and Holyfield. It was not used for entry but was encapsulated (4″ x 9″ x 1″ thick) as a promotional item (paperweight) for VIPs to the boxing event. Just like entry tickets it includes a section, row and seat number (but not the kind that would get you in for admission). Bold color and print with clear images. Clean front and back with the stub firmly attached. It is very rare that this example was autographed by both fighters. Tyson and Holyfield autographed it in blue/black felt tip (“9”) before it was encapsulated. We have seen unsigned examples on the market but this one stands above the rest as it was signed. Considering the outcome of both fighters mutual dislike for each other, this is a true rarity.

Authentication: JSA Basic Cert & Sticker

Mike Tyson & Evander Holyfield II Signed Ticket June 28, 1997 The Sound and the Fury Promotional Paperweight