Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul: A Controversial Fight and Its Aftermath
On November 15, 2024, Jake Paul and Mike Tyson stepped into the ring for a highly debated fight that generated record-breaking revenue and viewership. However, the age gap between the two fighters was a major talking point, as many questioned whether the 58-year-old Tyson should have been in the ring at all. Despite his age, Tyson managed to fight all eight rounds without suffering a knockout or knockdown, which reassured many concerned fans. Both fighters earned a hefty sum and moved on, but the controversy surrounding the fight did not end there.
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Mike Tyson’s Concerning Health Revelation
Not long after the bout, Tyson made a shocking confession during an interview on Fox Sports Radio—he did not remember much from the fight. This revelation sparked an online uproar, with many speculating that he may have suffered a concussion. Some criticized Jake Paul for orchestrating the event, arguing that it was reckless to pit a 27-year-old against a nearly 60-year-old legend.
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Interestingly, Jake Paul later admitted that he sensed something was wrong with Tyson during the fight, which led him to ease up in the final moments.
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Jake Paul Admits Holding Back in the Final Rounds
Speaking on the Ring Champs Podcast with Akin “Ak” Reyes and Barak Bess, Jake Paul confirmed suspicions that he deliberately slowed down in the fight’s final moments.
When asked if he held back, Paul responded, “Yeah, I did.” He recalled a concerning moment earlier in the fight when he noticed Tyson’s eyes rolling back as he stumbled. At that point, Paul realized he didn’t want to win the fight by seriously injuring the boxing legend.
With around 15 seconds left, Paul lowered his stance and bowed in front of Tyson, signaling both respect and an unspoken agreement that the fight was over.
Though Paul secured an easy victory, Tyson’s post-fight comments raised concerns about what could have happened if the younger fighter had not shown restraint.
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Tyson Still Recovering from the Fight
During an appearance at the 2025 Pegasus World Cup on January 25, Tyson provided an update on his health. While he stated that he feels good, he admitted that he is “still not 100% recovered.”
His comments mirrored what he said in the Fox Sports Radio interview, where he revealed, “I don’t remember the fight that much, I kind of blanked out.” He also mentioned that he didn’t even recall Paul’s respectful bow in the final seconds.
Looking back, Tyson seems to regret the fight. In an interview on the Covino and Rich Show, he made a startling confession: “I almost died.” He then questioned his own decision to return to the ring after nearly two decades away, asking, “Why did I do that?”
His concerns weren’t entirely unfounded. Tyson had been dealing with serious health issues before the fight, including a 2.5-inch bleeding ulcer.
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Tyson Begins His Recovery
Despite everything, Tyson appears to be on the mend. Recently, he shared a gym photo showing himself using a seated row machine, signaling that he is working on his fitness again.
His fans will likely feel relieved to see him training, but the controversy surrounding the fight remains. Many still wonder—what would have happened if Jake Paul hadn’t held back?