Mike Tyson has come out with his first remarks since losing to Jake Paul in the main event of their card at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas less than 24 hours ago.
“Iron Mike” was not knocked down during the fight but was significantly slow and tired as the fight went on. The 58-year-old, who was competing in his first sanctioned professional boxing outing since 2005, lost to the younger Paul brother via unanimous decision.
That said, in his statement released on social media, the heavyweight great expressed having no regrets for entering the ring at his age.
Tyson, in fact, considered his performance a moral victory, given the circumstances of his health from this past summer. On May 31, Tyson suffered an ulcer flare up on an airplane. The former champion revealed in the statement that he almost died, having had multiple blood transfusions and losing about 25 pounds.
Mike Tyson Releases Statement Declaring Victory In Defeat
“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,” Tyson said in the statement.
Tyson came out strong on the front foot in the opening round, bringing out that aggressive style he was known for over the course of his career.
But “Iron Mike” slowed from the second round on, as Paul worked him over with combinations and landed at will. Though the heavyweight legend showed defense, he had landed less than 20 punches by the time the final round came.
Paul, during the event’s post-fight press conference, said he carried the veteran when he realized midway through the fight how drained he appeared, stating he “didn’t want to hurt someone that wasn’t able to do much.”
Paul responded to Tyson’s statement, praising him for his legendary status in the sport and thanking him for the opportunity to fight.
Paul has now won five straight since his loss to Tommy Fury.
Paul has teased an announcement soon, but it is unknown what could be in hold for his next fight.
