Tyson's license revoked

Boxer fined $3 million for biting Holyfield's ears

LAS VEGAS (CNN) -- Nevada boxing regulators revoked Mike Tyson's boxing license Wednesday and fined him a maximum $3 million for twice biting Evander Holyfield's ears.

Tyson was not present when the Nevada Athletic Commission handed down its decision.

"We must take the most stringent action available to us," Dr. Elias Ghanem, the chairman of the commission, said just prior to the vote. "That is my personal view."

Tyson is allowed to reapply for his boxing license a year later and each year afterward, leaving him no guarantee the Nevada State Athletic Commission would ever let him box again.

Other states would be required by a new federal law to honor Nevada's revocation, meaning the profession that has made Tyson $140 million during the last two years could be in jeopardy.

It is possible Tyson could still fight overseas while trying to get his license back, but while he's on probation for a rape conviction he may not get permission to leave the country. The probation lasts until March 1999.

Tyson bit Holyfield's ears before being disqualified after the third round of their June 28 heavyweight title fight. A week ago, he made a public apology and asked to be allowed to fight again.

Nevada senior deputy attorney general Gordon Fink urged the commission to revoke Tyson's license and enforce the maximum fine of 10 percent of his $30 million purse.

"Suspension in this case -- no matter how long -- would not be enough," Fink said amid a packed Las Vegas City Hall council chambers

Tyson, 31, had been expected to personally plead for his boxing career before the commission. But early Wednesday, Tyson flew to New York from Las Vegas on a TWA flight.

Tyson was not required to attend Wednesday's hearing. His lawyer Oscar Goodman said he recommended the boxer not to attend.

Holyfield's lawyer Jim Thomas testified before the commission, saying that his client had forgiven Tyson and did not want to punish him. Holyfield was in South Africa and could not attend the hearing.

Related stories:

• Tyson's license revoked by Nevada - July 9, 1997
• Tyson faces possible indefinite ban from boxing - July 8, 1997
• Ali throws jabs at Tyson - July 7, 1997
• Circus atmosphere expected for Tyson hearing - July 7, 1997
• Holyfield gets championship style response in South Africa - July 6, 1997
• Holyfield bit ex-fighter during amateur match - July 3, 1997
• Nevada Senate wants to get tough with biting boxers - July 3, 1997
• Showtime considers legal action on fight replays - July 3, 1997
• Evander Holyfield CNN/SI Interview - July 2, 1997
• Commission can't wait to hear Tyson's side of story - July 2, 1997
• Suspension could prove costly for Tyson - July 2, 1997
• Nevada Commission to decide Tyson's future - July 1, 1997
• Tyson temporarily suspended by commission - July 1, 1997
• An earful of Tyson-Holyfield headlines - June 30, 1997
• Mike Tyson Press Conference - June 30, 1997
• New York governor wants Tyson review - June 30, 1997
• Text of Mike Tyson's statement - June 30, 1997
• Tyson asks forgiveness - June 30, 1997
• Tyson gives boxing a black eye - June 30, 1997
• Boxing bitten by Tyson's revenge - June 29, 1997
• Tyson's last stand? - June 29, 1997
• Dozens injured in mayhem following bout - June 29, 1997
• Mike Tyson chronology - June 29, 1997
• Nevada lawmakers seek harsher penalties - June 29, 1997
• Unbelievable! - Tyson disqualified for biting Holyfield twice in third round - June 29, 1997

Related site:

• Nevada Athletic Commission

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