Mike Tyson’s extremely anticipated return to the boxing ring resulted in a one-sided defeat by the hands of YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on Friday evening in Arlington, Texas. The 58-year-old Tyson, who hadn’t fought professionally in 19 years, struggled all through the eight-round bout, touchdown solely 18 of his 97 punches. Paul dominated the battle, profitable by unanimous determination with scores of 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73 from all three judges.
Regardless of the lopsided nature of the defeat, Tyson remained upbeat about his efficiency. “I got here to battle,” Tyson stated after the bout. “I did not show nothing to anyone, solely to myself… I am simply proud of what I can do.”
Nonetheless, it was Tyson’s lighthearted response to a query about his conduct in the course of the battle that stole the highlight.
When requested about his actions within the ring, particularly why he seemed to be chewing on his gloves, Tyson replied with a smile, “It occurred to be I used to be biting my gloves.” He added, “I’ve a biting fixation,” drawing laughter from the ring-side viewers.
This comment, a humorous reference to his infamous previous, instantly recalled Tyson’s notorious 1997 rematch in opposition to Evander Holyfield, the place Tyson bit off a portion of Holyfield’s ear throughout their battle, leading to his disqualification. The incident stays one of the crucial controversial moments in boxing historical past, and Tyson’s newest “biting fixation” remark served as a tongue-in-cheek reminder of that troubled chapter of his profession.
Tyson’s return to the ring had been extremely anticipated, however he struggled in opposition to Paul, who landed 78 of his 278 punches. Regardless of his efficiency, Tyson praised Paul’s boxing abilities, saying, “He is an excellent fighter,” and refused to rule out a future return to the ring. “I don’t know. It will depend on the scenario,” Tyson stated when requested about preventing once more. “I don’t suppose so,” he added, when pressed additional.
Tyson’s return to boxing was closely hyped, and he reportedly earned $20 million for the battle. The bout marked his first official match since 2005, when he was defeated by Kevin McBride.
