LAS VEGAS (AP) — Mike Tyson got his boxing license back today, 15 months after he lost it for biting Evander Holyfield’s ears during a title fight.
Tyson told the Nevada Athletic Commission that he had suffered long enough and needs to box to make a living.
Chairman Elias Ghanem said the fighter had made many mistakes but deserved another chance. The commission voted 4-1 to restore the license, with the lone holdout commissioner James Nave.
“I want to warn you, from my view, this will be your last chance,” Ghanem said. “You will either conduct yourself in accordance with our rules and regulations, or you will probably never fight again in Nevada.”
Tyson was near tears as his supporters hugged him and patted on his back after the decision was announced.
“I’m just happy I won,” he said. “I’m undecided when I’ll fight again. I don’t know whether I’m prepared to fight. I’ve been going through a lot of things.”
His handlers have said the former heavyweight champ could be back in the ring as soon as December to fight for the riches he has frittered away. A loss would have put him out of the sport for at least another year.
“Don’t be looking for him to be fighting these champions,” said Magic Johnson, a supporter who testified before the commission. “He’s been inactive a long time. We’re going to bring him along very, very slowly.”