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Mike Tyson, the iconic boxing legend, has finally broken his silence regarding claims that his highly anticipated bout with Jake Paul was “rigged.” Dismissing the allegations, the 58-year-old insists the fight was authentic, though his performance left fans with more questions than answers.
Last month, Tyson stepped into the ring to face Jake Paul, a YouTuber-turned-professional boxer, in what many hoped would be a thrilling clash of generations. However, the fight, which ended in a unanimous decision victory for Paul, sparked heated debates among fans, with some suggesting it was staged. The match saw Tyson, once a dominant force in boxing, landing only 18 punches over eight rounds, leaving viewers baffled.
The Fix Claims
Rumors of a “fixed” fight gained traction after footage surfaced showing Tyson seemingly holding back from throwing a punch during the match. Addressing these allegations during an interview with Fox Sports Radio, Tyson was adamant. “It was a real fight,” he stated firmly.
When pressed on why he wasn’t more aggressive in the ring, Tyson gave a surprising response. “I don’t remember the fight that much, I kind of blanked out,” he admitted. “I haven’t watched the fight back. You know what I remember… coming back from the first round, and Jake was doing some sort of bow… that’s the last thing I remember.”
A Fight Night to Forget
Despite being physically present, Tyson confessed to feeling disconnected during the fight. He described the night as surreal, even questioning his own decision to participate. “I wasn’t tired, I wasn’t sweaty. I went to the house we were staying in, I left the house with my wife and kids, went to the after-party, then went back,” he recalled.
When asked whether the fight added to his legacy, Tyson delivered an astonishingly candid response. “I never thought about that! The day after the fight, I woke up and told my wife, ‘Why did I do that?’ I just don’t know what the hell went on.”
Support from Family
Tyson revealed that his family was supportive of him despite his shocking admissions about the fight. “This is one of those situations when you lost but still won,” he reflected. While the outcome may not have been in his favor, Tyson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to step into the ring one final time.
A Health Battle Behind the Scenes
In the same interview, Tyson shared a deeply personal health scare leading up to the fight. He disclosed that just months before the match, he faced a life-threatening ulcer flare-up during a flight. “I almost died in June; I had eight blood transfusions. I lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight, so I won,” he revealed.
Despite his health ordeal, Tyson took pride in finishing all eight rounds with Paul, a competitor half his age, in front of a packed stadium. “To have my children see me stand toe to toe and finish eight rounds… is an experience that no man has the right to ask for,” he said.
A Grateful Farewell
Reflecting on the fight, Tyson remained positive despite the controversy and personal struggles. “I’m grateful for [Friday] night and have no regrets about getting in the ring one last time,” he said.
While the night may not have been the triumphant return fans hoped for, it offered a glimpse into Tyson’s resilience and determination. From overcoming severe health challenges to facing criticism head-on, the former champion remains a testament to grit and gratitude.
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