*Evander Holyfield Vs Mike Tyson - Signed "KNOCKDOWN" Photograph, Nov 9th 1966, with Certificate of Authenticity*
Approximate Dimensions: 75cm x 49.5cm (2.3cm deep)
Certificate of Authenticity issued by Gold Star Memorabilia
Canvas print mounted on wooden frame - originally taken during Holyfield's first fight against, and defeat of, Mike Tyson on November 9, 1996 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. The photograph depicts the moment in the sixth round of the fight when Holyfield knocked Tyson down to the canvas.
'Iron Mike' Tyson was set for his first WBA heavyweight title defence against Holyfield. The fight was billed as Finally. Mike Tyson entered the fight as a 5-to-1 favourite, but Evander Holyfield quickly proved to be the stronger and more strategic fighter. Holyfield absorbed Tyson’s early aggression, countered effectively, and used his strength to push Tyson back, neutralizing his power. As the fight progressed, Tyson struggled to adjust and was consistently outboxed.
In the sixth round, Holyfield knocked Tyson down for the first time since his only prior loss. Tyson also suffered cuts from head clashes, though they were ruled accidental. By the tenth round, Holyfield overwhelmed Tyson with powerful combinations, leaving him dazed. Early in the eleventh round, after another barrage of punches, referee Mitch Halpern stopped the fight, awarding Holyfield a stunning upset victory.
The rematch between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson, known as The Sound and the Fury—and later infamous as The Bite Fight—took place on June 28, 1997, for the WBA World Heavyweight Championship. The bout became one of boxing's most shocking moments when Tyson bit off a piece of Holyfield’s ear. As a result, he was disqualified and had his boxing license revoked, though it was later reinstated.
Provenance:
Signed by Evander Holyfield during a personal appearance in Portsmouth (April 2013), accompanied by an official Gold Star Memorabilia COA (numbered 0708). Attached (online only) is a photograph of the previous owner with Holyfield on April 2013 which is included for provenance purposes only—not for resale or duplication. The event was likely connected to Autographica 19 hosted by Showmasters/Boxingmania — Evander Holyfield's only publicly announced signing in the UK around that period.
*Condition*
Excellent used condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
