Mike Tyson’s fight with Jake Paul turned heads at the time but the former heavyweight has made a surprising new claim.
Iron Mike Tyson facing off against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul had just about everyone talking.
However, the fight drew plenty of criticism before, during and after for lacking that punch of entertainment people were hoping for.
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The pair went head-to-head on November 15 at the AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, with Paul coming out as the victor.
In light of neither opponent being knocked out, the winner was chosen by the judges based on points, which Paul went on to win by a landslide.
In statistics shared after the fight, it was said that Tyson, 58, only landed 18 shots while Paul, 27, made a successful 78 blows to the sports champ.
Speaking on Fox Sports Radio, Tyson explained to the hosts that his memory of the fight is pretty foggy.
During the interview, he said: “I don’t remember the fight that much, I kind of blanked out a little.
“I remember coming back from the first round and Jake is doing some kind of … I don’t know what he was doing (leans forward pretending to bow) and that’s the last thing I remember.”
This happened in the final round, moments before the fight concluded with Paul bowing to Tyson as a sign of respect.
He also questioned why he chose to take part in the fight in the first place.
Tyson continued: “I don’t remember it. But my body was really sore (after the fight). My chest, my stomach was really sore.”
“The day after I woke up and said to my wife, ‘Why did I do that?’ I just don’t know what the hell was going on.”
Not long after the bout, Tyson released a statement that indicated that he was happy that he participated, regardless of the result.
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. Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs (11kg) 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 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.”
Topics: Mike Tyson, Jake Paul, Boxing, Sport, Celebrity
Gerrard Kaonga