Holyfield-Tyson Ref Retires

Tue., Dec. 22, 1998

The referee whose action led to Mike Tyson’s temporary banishment from boxing for biting Evander Holyfield’s ear is calling it quits.

Mills Lane said he’s ending his 31-year career as a referee because he wants to devote more time as a national television boxing analyst.

Lane gained international attention in June 1997 when he disqualified Tyson for biting off a piece of Holyfield’s ear during a heavyweight championship bout in Las Vegas. It was Lane’s 96th title fight.

Lane refereed fights involving many boxing greats, including Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Larry Holmes and Roberto Duran.

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Holyfield-Tyson Ref Retires

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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