Mike Tyson Bites Edibles: How the Boxing Legend Turned a Controversial Scandal Into a Million Dollar Idea

Discover how Mike Tyson transformed an infamous boxing moment into a lucrative business venture. Find out what makes his edibles a hit!

Published on Aug 29, 2024  |  05:01 PM IST |  43.5K
Image Source: GETTY
Image Source: GETTY

Mike Tyson’s career has been filled with ups and downs. Remember when he bit Evander Holyfield’s ear? That shocking moment seemed like it could end his career. But what if that infamous bite became a million-dollar idea? It might sound crazy, but Tyson did just that. He turned his controversial moment into a thriving business.

How did he do it? By launching 'Mike Bites,' cannabis edibles shaped like a bitten ear. These gummies are flying off the shelves. Who would have thought a scandal from 1997 could still make headlines today? And how has Tyson managed to stay in the spotlight all these years?

Back in 1997, during a rematch that was supposed to be a straightforward bout, Mike Tyson did the unthinkable. In a moment of apparent frustration and anger, he bit off a piece of Evander Holyfield’s ear. The fight, held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, immediately went down in infamy. Not only was Tyson disqualified, but the Nevada State Athletic Commission also handed him a hefty $3 million fine and revoked his boxing license temporarily.

Fast forward to today, and that shocking moment has become the cornerstone of Tyson’s unexpected venture into the cannabis industry. Tyson leveraged this notorious incident to launch Mike Bites, a line of THC-infused edibles shaped like a bitten ear. So, how did this scandal turn into a gold mine? Tyson embraced his past rather than running from it, integrating his personal story with a booming industry.

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The cannabis edibles started as just an idea to capitalize on the infamous bite but quickly turned into a major success. According to Tyson, he’s made an astonishing $30 million from these gummies alone—ten times the amount of the fine imposed on him. This figure is a testament to the public’s fascination with celebrity controversy and their redemption arcs. Tyson’s entry into the legal marijuana market was met with mixed reactions, but the sales spoke for themselves.

Tyson’s journey into the cannabis space was more than just a clever marketing ploy; it was also a personal exploration. “Growing up in Brooklyn, I could have never imagined a time when cannabis would be legally utilized to enhance both mental and physical well-being," Tyson reflected. This statement not only marks his transition from a troubled sports figure to a wellness advocate but also highlights the evolving societal perspectives on cannabis.

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Today, Mike Bites are a hit, available in various flavors like black eye berry and sour apple punch. They’re not just selling in one corner of the country either; dispensaries across New York have been stocking up, from Brooklyn to Syracuse. Tyson’s not stopping at just selling edibles—he’s gearing up for a major promotional push in Times Square to coincide with his upcoming exhibition fight against Jake Paul, ensuring the legacy of the bite lives on in a rather sweet aftertaste.

As Tyson gears up for his highly anticipated fight against Jake Paul this summer, he’s proving that he still knows how to keep the world watching. Whether he wins or loses, Tyson has already secured his place in the spotlight—and his bank account shows it.

Also Read: 5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know about Mike Tyson

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About The Author

Mrinal Mishra has made a mark as a combat sports writer, with more than a year of dedicated coverage

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