One of the most infamous sporting scandals of the 1990s will be commercialized in a new line of cannabis-infused edibles, it was announced Monday. (Photo by Tyson 2.0)
Heavyweight greats — and former blood rivals — Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield have come together to form a new cannabis company called Carma Holdings, which also includes Tyson’s existing cannabis company, Tyson 2.0. Their first product will be “Holy Ears,” which is described as “all-natural, vegan and gluten-free; and will be offered in THC, Delta 8 and other hemp-cannabinoid varieties.”
Tyson 2.0 already boasts a popular cannabis product called Mike Bites. The new company, Carma, will roll out Holyfield’s standalone cannabis line next year.
The partnership comes 25 years after the duo was involved in one of the most surreal and shocking incidents in the sports world, their 1997 heavyweight rematch that saw Tyson bite off a piece of Holyfield’s ear.
“From Mike Bites to Holy Ears, now cannabis fans around the world can experience the same wellness benefits that plant-based products have brought me,” Tyson said in a press release. “It’s a privilege to reunite with my former opponent and now long-time friend, and turn years of fights and knockouts into a partnership that can make a positive impact and heal people.”
“Mike and I have a long history of competition and respect for one another,” Holyfield said. “And that night changed both of our lives. Back then, we didn’t realize that even as power athletes, we were also in a lot of pain. Now, nearly 20 years later, we have the opportunity to share the medicine we really needed throughout our careers. I’m honored to join the Carma family and partner with Mike and the TYSON 2.0 team to launch Holy Ears, and soon my own line of cannabis products.”
This is not the first time the pair collaborated on a product. Nearly a decade ago, the two were involved in a Foot Locker commercial that took a tongue-in-cheek approach to the scandal.
According to the release, a Holy Ears will be available for purchase starting in November through Verano retailers in Arizona, Illinois, Nevada and New Jersey.