Former heavyweight boxing champ Evander Holyfield has forgiven his rival, Mike Tyson, who bit his ear in their 1997 title fight. The two made-up on Friday during an appearance on "The Oprah Winfrey Show."

When asked if he was still missing part of his ear, Holyfield pointed and said, "Just a little bit." Tyson poured on the praise, stating:

"This is a beautiful guy," he said, holding Holyfield's arm. "I just want you to know it's been a pleasure passing through life, being acquainted with you."

Tyson shocked the world on June 28, 1997 during the match at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, where he bit Holyfield's ear twice, and was subsequently disqualified. At the time, Tyson said he "snapped" and issued an apology to his fans and disfigured rival. He said he would seek professional help to understand what happened.

Tyson told Oprah that he was not being sincere when he apologized a dozen years ago. Holyfield didn't seem to care. He said that he wanted to be with Tyson on TV to show kids caught up in violence that reconciliation is possible.

Holyfield said, "We can come together. We know you can come together."

Friday's appearance marked the second time this month that Tyson has been on Oprah's show. The last time he was there he discussed the horrific freak accident that killed his 4-year-old daughter, Exodus.