Mike Tyson is his mentor – Reactions as Moroccan boxer, Youness Baalla tries to bite New Zealand’s David Nyika during fight at Tokyo Olympics

Morocco heavyweight boxer, Youness Baalla made an attempt to bite New Zealander David Nyika during their heavyweight fight at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics.

During the third and final round of the fight, Baalla engaged in a hold with Nyika and appeared to attempt a bite to Nyika’s ear, recreating the incident of when “Iron Mike” took a bite out of Evander Holyfield’s ear in 1997.

Baalla avoided being disqualified, and two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist Nyika overcame that shameful incident to keep his composure and pick up the win on his Olympics debut.

Nyika complained to the referee but Baalla somehow escaped any punishment before going on to drop a unanimous points loss.

”I’ve always backed myself and backed the people around me to lift me up. I know I am capable of great things. I have every intention to be towards the top of that podium,” Nyika said after the fight.

Morocco’s Youness Baalla tried to bite the ear of New Zealand’s David Nyika!!! #Boxing #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/N6LJIqjb6S

— Ben Damon (@ben_damon) July 27, 2021

Sports lovers were swift to recall past situations which were similar.

@beersbetsboxing said; He’s just following the footsteps of other great fighters such as Mike Tyson and Kash Ali

@ChillBacca93; Did he get disqualified??

AmitChampaneri1; Wow – must have been watching Tyson and Suarez as inspiration recently…

@PointlessSword; Who does he think he is. Mike Tyson?

@seandavid: Aren’t you aware that Mike Tyson is his mentor

@princeofkolavna; why couldn’t one of the scoring judges bring this to the attention of the referee?

@Onlyoneutd; Hunger strikes when you least expect it.

@DanWheddon; He’s got a great career ahead of him..