Boxing fans won’t see Mike Tyson back in the ring after his defeat to Jake Paul.
Last month 58-year-old Tyson took part in his first professional bout since 2005 against the YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, 27, with millions around the world tuning in to Netflix to watch the event. However the veteran icon failed to land anything significant before suffering a unanimous decision defeat in what proved to be a drab contest in Texas.
Shortly after the result was announced, Tyson claimed he fancied another return to the ring – issuing the challenge to Jake’s older brother Logan when asked who he could take on next saying: “I don’t know, maybe his brother”. Later however, the former heavyweight world champion admitted he ”almost died” ahead of the fight but didn’t regret the bout – posting on X he said: “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.
“I had eight blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won. 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.”
And it would appear that Tyson is unlikely to step foot in the ring again, with his son Amir revealing that his step-mother believes that the Paul clash will be Iron Mike’s final time in the ring. In an interview with Seconds Out, Amir said: “I think he’s done. My stepmom, she’s saying he’s done and they’re a team. That’s husband-and-wife stuff.”
Amir was also quick to rubbish rumours that the bout – which generated a rumoured $80m for the fighters – was scripted, adding: “We know it wasn’t rigged. He just got tired. Jake would move out the way. It looked like he pulled his punches back but Jake’s moving. It’s not like the pads, he’s moving. His gas tank after the third round was just shot. That’s all it was. He just kept on staying throughout. He did his best. No holding back, he did the best he could at his age.”