The boxing legend has reacted to a Mike Tyson defeat by unanimous decision to YouTuber turned boxer, Jake Paul, branding it as a “victory” considering he “almost died” in June.
The legend’s long awaited boxing comeback, which was initially scheduled for July, was postponed in May after a Tyson health scare. Tyson had received medical advice on a stomach ulcer flare-up on a flight when he collapsed in the bathroom and coughed up blood. That incident turned out to be more serious than first thought.
One Of Those Situations…
Writing in an Instagram post, the boxing legend revealed, “This is one of those situations when you lost but still won. I’m grateful for last night. No regrets to get in ring one last time.”
He revealed the details that went into the earlier postponement of the Jake Paul fight. "I almost died in June. Had eight blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight, so I won.”
Tyson was only able to land just 18 punches during the eight rounds. In comparison, Jake Paul landed 78 as he delivered Tyson's seventh loss in 57 fights.
"To have my children see me stand toe to toe and finish eight rounds with a talented fighter half my age in front of a packed Dallas Cowboy stadium is an experience that no man has the right to ask for. Thank you,” he added.
Much Hype and No Bite
There was so much noise around a contest that attracted a crowd of more than 70,000, with gate receipts totalling up to a staggering $17.8 million. This made it the biggest boxing numbers in history outside Nevada, just behind the $9 million record for Canelo Alvarez vs. Billy Joe Saunders, which coincidentally also took place at the AT&T Stadium.
However, the much vaunted boxing comeback itself failed to deliver on the hype. Tyson started well in the first two rounds, and it felt like he wanted to try and stop the younger man as early as possible. The movement was predictably cumbersome but Tyson looked to land a punch every time the opportunity arose, including a low blow that earned him a warning.
At the start of the second round, Paul started targeting Tyson's body before moving up with a right handed punch. Tyson managed to land a glancing left hook but Paul hung on to win the round as he did the first.
By the third round, it was obvious Tyson had lost his chance to win as he labored to move or land punches, amidst an increased pressure from Paul. From then on, it was all Paul, and the fans who came to witness the rebirth of Iron Mike, were left utterly disappointed.
The Jake Paul fight was a drab affair, one that left fans rather frustrated, and they made it obvious by booing both boxers towards the end of the contest. Some fans even staged a walkout before the end of the bout, as it became obvious Paul would win.
Key Takeaway
As Paul clipped Tyson twice in the final round, it was clear there was to be no late onslaught and the judges handed Paul an unanimous victory with the scores at 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73. For most commentators, this Mike Tyson defeat was a fight that needed not to have happened. Mike Tyson would have been better off tending to his coffee shop.