Mike Tyson, once the youngest-ever undisputed heavyweight champion, now boasts a new record he never intended to achieve: a seventh professional loss. His one-sided defeat at the hands of YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Texas has left a permanent mark on his legendary boxing career.
Tyson’s Decision: Money Over Legacy
Tyson, who accepted a $20 million payday for his comeback fight, faced criticism for taking the bout against Paul, a social media influencer, instead of retiring gracefully. Tyson’s current record stands at 50-7 with two no contests. Despite his impressive past, the loss to Paul is a blemish on his CV that can’t be erased.
A Disappointing Performance and Growing Criticism
Many fans and experts, including former world champion Carl Froch, were disillusioned by the performance. Froch criticized Paul for not engaging fully in the fight, while also pointing out that Tyson, at 58 years old, was unlikely to offer the same level of competition he once did. Despite Tyson’s age, the fight was criticized for lacking intensity, with Paul failing to capitalize on his opponent’s vulnerability.
Tyson’s Reflection on the Fight
Despite the loss, Tyson expressed gratitude for the opportunity. He shared that his health struggles in the months leading up to the fight, including nearly dying and undergoing eight blood transfusions, made the experience meaningful for him. Tyson spoke about the significance of finishing the eight-round bout in front of a packed crowd at AT&T Stadium, even if it came with a bitter taste.
Tyson’s career may have ended on a low note, but his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights in history remains intact—despite this unfortunate addition to his record.
