Boxing legend Mike Tyson and rising star Jake Paul reflected on their dramatic encounter, which ultimately favoured Paul.
Tyson’s return to the ring against Jake Paul ended with a unanimous decision victory for the YouTuber-turned-boxer.
Despite the one-sided nature of the fight, Tyson ruled out retirement, insisting he’s not done with the sport, WFAA reports Saturday.
Meanwhile, Paul revealed his vulnerability, admitting that he was scared during the bout, despite dominating the eight-round contest.
Both fighters left the ring with newfound respect for each other, each reflecting on their own unique challenges in the battle.
In a captivating clash that blended age and experience with youth and speed, the 58-year-old boxing legend took on the 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer in an eight-round showdown at AT&T Stadium, Texas.
Before a crowd of 80,000, Paul claimed a unanimous decision victory, but the fight proved to be a test of determination and mutual respect for both fighters.
Tyson, whose last professional bout was nearly two decades ago, displayed his characteristic grit but struggled to keep pace with Paul’s agility.
Final statistics showed Tyson landed only 18 of 97 punches, while Paul threw 278 punches and landed 78. Despite the disparity, Tyson spoke candidly after the fight, praising his opponent’s preparation.
“I’m really happy. He was a good fighter and well-prepared,” Tyson said.
Reflecting on his performance, he added, “I didn’t prove anything to anyone. Just to myself.” Dismissing speculation about retirement, he concluded emphatically: “I don’t think so.”
The boxing icon, however, wore a knee brace during the fight, which raised questions about his physical readiness. Tyson addressed the issue directly: “I can’t use that as an excuse or wouldn’t have been in there.”
Paul, on the other hand, admitted to mixed emotions after his hard-fought win. “It was tough, like I expected it to be,” he said, acknowledging Tyson’s legendary status. “He’s exactly what I thought—one of the greatest to ever do it. He’s an icon and a legend.”
Despite his victory, Paul confessed he approached the fight with caution. “I was scared he was going to hurt me,” he admitted. “I was trying to hurt him.”
Though he dominated the scorecards—80-72, 79-73, and 79-73—Paul was unable to deliver the knockout he had promised during their heated weigh-in, where tensions flared as Tyson slapped him across the face, PUNCH Online earlier reported.
The fight marked Tyson’s controversial return to the ring and showcased Paul’s evolution as a boxer.
While Tyson’s age showed at times, his resilience and refusal to quit drew admiration. For Paul, the bout highlighted his ability to stand toe-to-toe with a boxing icon while respecting the legacy of one of the sport’s greatest, reports CBS.