Despite the poor connection and constant buffering, most of the world was entertained this weekend with the highly anticipated Mike Tyson versus Jake Paul boxing match. It is safe to say that the road to the match was far more exciting than the painfully slow 8-round match.
The much shorter match (8 rounds instead of 10 or 12 and 2 minute rounds instead of 3) fell flat compared to the heightened expectations. Despite the former heavyweight champion not confirming it is his final match, the slow attacks and escapes after the first round spoke for themselves. Many viewers agreed it’s time for Tyson to officially hang up the gloves.
The main disappointment was Iron Mike’s lack of mobility and soft hits. However, one of the most discussed topics of the matchup was the age gap between the competitors. Jake Paul, 27, is in his prime for competition. In the other corner, Tyson had been retired for 19 years, so it didn’t come as a shock when he unanimously lost to the former Youtuber.
Tyson’s seemingly injured right knee held him back when trying to escape Paul’s offense or when searching to land punches. After the match, Tyson was questioned about the brace he adorned during the game.
He stated, “Yeah [I had a knee injury], but I can’t use that for an excuse.” So, not only did Tyson go all 8 rounds with a boxer in his prime, but he did so with a 31-year age gap and an injured knee.
Nevertheless, Tyson deserves his flowers for going the distance for coming out of retirement and being 58 years old.
Tyson speaks out on the loss on his Instagram and X saying, “This is one of those situations when you lost but still won… I almost died in June.” Tyson further explains the health scare that took over his life this summer.
Tyson described his pride for the match, not feeling down or disappointed. After the judges’ decision, Tyson was asked who is next on his list now that he is out of retirement. Tyson stated, “It depends on the situation” before suggesting a fight with Jake Paul’s older brother, Logan.
Paul replied, “I’ll kill you”.
I believe that Tyson’s previous farewell sums up his performance, “I just don’t have it in me anymore… I’m just not an animal anymore”.
Tyson’s age caught up to him after winning the first round, which was mostly expected by the 60 million viewers around the world.
As for Victor Jake Paul, even bigger goals are ahead of him. According to AP News, he has hopes for the cruiserweight division and is keeping an eye out for championship opportunities, “I think it could happen in the next 24 months. I truly, truly believe in my skills and my ability and my power. And the cruiserweight division is seemingly open for the taking on that timeline.”
Despite the disappointing loss, Tyson’s (hopefully) final match brought together families, boxing fans, and 60 million viewers from all over the world. It’s onto the next opponent for Jake Paul and hopes for a world heavyweight championship. I, much like lots of viewers in the younger generation, am grateful that I got to see the Baddest Man on the Planet box one last time, even if it ended in defeat.