Stay away from the ear! Mike Tyson hugs Evander Holyfield... 15 years after BITING him during infamous fight

From the warm hug, they appear like old friends.
But it was a different story in June 1997 when Mike Tyson bit off part of Evander Holyfield's ear during a fight.
The infamous confrontation appeared to be ancient history as the former boxers greeted each other at a promotional event for Holyfield’s Real Deal barbeque sauce at Chicago grocery store Jewel-Osco.

Friends again: Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson fellow former champion Evander Holyfield hugged in Chicago on Saturday

Almost 16 years on the pair seem to have no hard feelings but 50-year-old Holyfield was probably a little apprehensive about 46-year-old Tyson’s mouth going anywhere his head.

 

Tyson kept his teeth where they should be as he smiled while making contact with Holyfield at the photo call.
Putting his face out there as support for the brand, it was probably the best way Tyson could say sorry for the outlandish and aggressive attack at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas all those years ago.

Condiment fans: They teamed up at a promotional event for Holyfield's Real Deal barbecue sauce inside a Jewel-Osco grocery store

Holyfield – who donned a white polo shirt - was also supported by Henry Tillman, heavyweight gold medallist at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
Tyson – who has appeared in films such as The Hangover since reaches the height of success with his boxing career - just happened to be in town performing his one-man show when he popped by to help out with the launch.
He gushed: ‘I just wanted to see Evander, man. I love Evander. I'm forever linked with him for the rest of my life.’

Plenty of pals: They were also joined by Henry Tillman, heavyweight gold medalist at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics

His stage presentation documents his rise from Brooklyn's streets to the heavyweight championship and then fall from grace. 
Even his former rival has seen it and thinks it reveals how much his has changed for the better.
‘The show is good. The show is showing his way of coming back, being able to come to an agreement, come to an acknowledgment of what he'd done good and what he'd done wrong and to get over it. When people don't get past their problems, they never come to an understanding.’

High spirits: Tyson smiled and waves to fans

Here for business: The 46-year-old is in the city with his one-man show

The act is being taken to 36 cities after a run on Broadway and features a part where Tyson acknowledges THAT moment with Holyfield.
Holyfield continued: ‘I think he was letting people know that he was wrong and what happened, happened. He appreciates that I forgave him. He's forgiven himself. That's how you make adjustments in life.’

THAT fight: Evander Holyfield (L) and Mike Tyson (R) trade punches in 2007

Ouch! Holyfield left with a chunk taken out of his ear