Boxing legend, Mike Tyson, has expressed his gratitude and pride despite losing to social media star Jake Paul in an exhibition bout held at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday.
Tyson disclosed this on his official X handle adding that he had no regrets getting into the ring one last time.
The fight, which pitted the 58-year-old former heavyweight champion against the 27-year-old internet sensation, drew global attention due to the stark age difference of over three decades and Tyson’s remarkable journey back to fitness.
The eight-round bout featured unique conditions: each round lasted just two minutes, compared to the standard three minutes in professional boxing.
Both fighters also wore 14-ounce gloves, which are heavier than the traditional 10-ounce gloves typically used in pro bouts. Despite the adjustments, the fight proved intense, with Paul securing a unanimous decision victory.
After the match, the two competitors embraced, reflecting mutual respect for the effort and spirit displayed in the ring.
The financial stakes were just as monumental as the bout itself. According to reports from platforms like DraftKings, Paul was estimated to earn around $40 million, while Tyson would take home approximately $20 million.
The fight marked Tyson’s second return to the ring after his 2005 retirement, following an earlier exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020.
In an emotional statement shared post-fight, Tyson revealed the immense challenges he faced leading up to the bout.
“This is one of those situations when you lost but still won,” Tyson wrote. “I’m grateful for last night. No regrets to get in the 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.”
Tyson further shared the significance of the moment for his family. “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,” he stated.
The road to this iconic bout was far from smooth. In March, Tyson experienced a severe health scare when an ulcer flare-up on a plane nearly derailed the fight altogether.
The incident led to a prolonged recovery, during which he underwent eight blood transfusions to address the life-threatening condition.
Reflecting on this ordeal, Tyson wrote, “I almost died in June,” emphasising the resilience required to regain his strength.
Once a dominant force in the heavyweight division during the late 1980s, Tyson had retired in 2005 after a legendary 20-year career.
His return to the ring in this exhibition against Paul symbolized not just his enduring passion for boxing but also his indomitable spirit.
For Tyson, the fight was about more than victory or defeat; it was a testament to his resilience and a chance to create a lasting memory for his family and fans.
The bout, staged in front of a packed crowd at the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium, was a poignant chapter in the story of a fighter whose legacy continues to inspire.
