If a person bites a chunk out of another person's ear, the usual course of events sees the munching malefactor before the courts and, if there is any justice, behind bars.
Not in the United States, especially if you happen to be a hulking convicted rapist licensed to beat, thump and hammer other people inside a boxing ring. In the wonderful world of heavyweight boxing, you gnash a sizeable lump out of someone's acoustic organ and a nice man gives you US$27 million (about HK$209 million).
This adds public insult to the revolting spectacle of boxing injury. It is a most dubious pastime mistakenly referred to as a 'sport'. There is nothing sporting about two grown men smashing each other in the face; the addition of padded gloves and television companies paying millions of dollars for the rights to air the disgusting exhibition of blood lust is mere cosmetic frippery.
Now, taxpayers are partially footing the bill to teach our young people this revolting avocation.
The uglier side of boxing (is there an attractive side to this prehistoric savagery?) was shown recently when Mike Tyson chewed off a section of the ear of his opponent. It was only when he sank his incisors into the second ear and spat it on to the ring that the fight was cancelled. He has been given a symbolic smack over the wrist and 10 per cent of his winnings have been forfeit. Naughty boy! It was a good example of what is wrong with boxing. It is a barbaric throwback to an earlier, uglier, age. It should be banned.
Instead, it is glorified. So thinking people owe a debt to the unlovely Tyson. His appalling behaviour while fighting to reclaim his ludicrous boxing 'crown' shone the spotlight on this dreadful lingering remnant of the age of prize-fighting. It belongs in the historical cupboard, safely latched away with contemporary 19th century activities such as bear-baiting, flogging, the stocks and public execution.