Mike Tyson has released an emotional statement and explained why it felt like he ‘won’ his fight against Jake Paul.
Tyson, the 58-year-old former world heavyweight champion, was beaten by the YouTuber-turned-boxer via unanimous decision in his first fight in 19 years that failed to live up to the hype.
The eight-round contest, which took place at AT&T Stadium in Texas, was streamed by Netflix with appalling results and was scored 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73 in favor of Paul.
Taking to X on Saturday, less than 24 hours after the fight, Tyson wrote: ‘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.
‘I almost died in June. Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won.
Mike Tyson has released an emotional statement following his defeat by Jake Paul in Dallas
‘To have my children see me stand toe to toe and finish 8 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’.
Jake Paul responded to the tweet, saying, ‘Love you Mike. It was an honor. You’re an inspiration to us all.’
Paul, the Youtuber-turned-boxer who is 31 years Tyson’s junior, claimed a unanimous decision in front of a packed AT&T Stadium on Friday night.
Tyson was unable to match Paul’s energy and his condition worsened throughout the eight-round clash.
Though, despite the veteran’s struggles it was curious to see Paul refrain from landing a decisive blow.
And in the last 10 seconds of the fight, he even stepped back and bowed towards Tyson in a show of respect to sporting royalty – while effectively taking his foot off the gas.
Following the victory, the 27-year-old revealed that it was conscious decision not to inflict any unnecessary pain on the 58-year-old who, in his view ‘didn’t need to be hurt.’
When asked whether he eased up after noticing Tyson tiring, Paul said: ‘Yeah definitely. Definitely a bit.
Paul, 27, admitted that he took it easy on the veteran after realising that he was tiring
The YouTuber even bowed to his 58-year-old opponent in the latter stages of the fight
‘I wanted to give the fans a show but I didn’t want to hurt someone that didn’t need to be hurt.’
And speaking to Mail Sport after the fight, Jake’s brother Logan said of Tyson: ‘I think Jake let him live.’
He added: ‘He’s tough, proud of him, weathered the storm against a young brute named Jake Paul.’
While it proved to be a massive disappointment for fans of the sport, it also proved to be a very lucrative night for Netflix and Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP).
The two companies had plenty of success at the gate, taking in a reported $17.8 million (£14.1million).
But it’s not like Netflix’s presentation was smooth sailing. Tens of thousands of customers reported issues with sluggish streams and buffering throughout the fight and even in the undercard bouts.
Even the broadcast team itself had issues – with boxer Evander Holyfield unable to hear questions from presenter Kate Scott. Additionally, when interviewing Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, his microphone cut out while he was speaking.
