Sports / Mike Tyson Tyson, Holyfield Make Up Boxers reconcile 12 years after bizarre championship bout By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff Posted Oct 16, 2009 4:25 PM CDT Copied Talk-show host Oprah Winfrey poses with former world champion boxers Mike Tyson, right, and Evander Holyfield on a live episode of "The Oprah Winfrey Show," Friday, Oct. 16, 2009, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Harpo Productions, Inc. Geortge Burns) Evander Holyfield forgives Mike Tyson for biting his ear during their heavyweight title fight in 1997, he said during a joint appearance with his former opponent on today's Oprah Winfrey Show. The boxers—who knew each other as teens—shook hands, and Holyfield said the famous bite “wasn't really as bad as they made it out to be.” Tyson said in response: "I just want you to know it's been a pleasure passing through life, being acquainted with you." (More Mike Tyson stories.) Report an error