Boxing legend Mike Tyson has stepped into the cannabis industry with a product that is as audacious as it is polarizing – edible gummies shaped like partially bitten ears. The provocative treats, released by Tyson’s cannabis company, Tyson 2.0, serve as a tongue-in-cheek reference to one of the most infamous moments in the former heavyweight champion’s career: his 1997 rematch against Evander Holyfield, during which Tyson bit off a chunk of his opponent’s ear, forever cementing the bout’s place in boxing history as “The Bite Fight.”
The ear-shaped edibles, available in an array of flavors such as black eye berry, sour apple punch, and watermelon, have already begun to make waves in the cannabis community. They can be purchased through the company’s online store and have been spotted in various dispensaries throughout New York City. Tyson, now 57 years old and long retired from the ring, is said to be planning a promotional tour next month, including a high-profile event in the heart of Times Square.
However, the reception to Tyson’s latest venture has been far from universally positive. Critics have been quick to point out the problematic nature of celebrating a man with a checkered past, including a 1992 rape conviction and multiple allegations of domestic violence. Stu Zakim, a publicist for The Travel Agency, a cannabis dispensary in Union Square, pulled no punches when speaking to the New York Post about the matter. “They’re glorifying this convicted rapist and wife beater as a role model,” Zakim said. “We should be looking to much better role models in this industry.”
Tyson’s boxing career, which spanned three decades, came to an end in 2005 with a record of 50 wins, 44 of which were by knockout, and six losses. Despite the controversies that have dogged him throughout his life, both in and out of the ring, Tyson remains a larger-than-life figure in popular culture. His recent announcement that he will be squaring off against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a highly anticipated match, set to be streamed live on Netflix later this year, has only served to further cement his status as a boxing icon, for better or worse.
As the cannabis industry continues to grapple with issues of social responsibility and ethical marketing, Tyson’s ear-shaped edibles have reignited a contentious debate about the role of celebrity influence and the importance of considering the broader implications of the products we consume. While some may view the gummies as a harmless novelty item, others see them as a troubling glorification of violence and a reminder of the need for greater accountability and sensitivity in an industry still fighting for mainstream acceptance.
