Mike Tyson's 'Bite Fight' 1997
In 1997, the most feared boxer on the planet threw away everything in nine seconds of rage. Mike Tyson's infamous ear-bite on Evander Holyfield is the clearest picture I know of emotional hijacking — and why self-control decides careers as much as skill does.

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By Avinash Chate — Maharashtra’s #1 Corporate Trainer & Motivational Speaker. .