During a recent post-fight media interaction, Jake Paul made a statement that sparked widespread debate: “I wanted to give the fans a show, but I didn’t want to hurt someone that didn’t need to be hurt.” His remarks added intrigue to an already controversial bout against Mike Tyson. Despite the hype surrounding the fight, it turned out to be relatively subdued, with Paul employing a cautious stick-and-move strategy while Tyson steadily pressed forward. This pattern persisted for all eight rounds, leaving fans and analysts questioning the true nature of the contest.
In the aftermath, discussions erupted across social media, with some speculating whether Paul intentionally eased up on the 58-year-old Tyson. However, the discourse has been muddled by differing narratives, making it challenging to discern the truth. To shed light on the matter, veteran trainer Teddy Atlas, who once worked with Tyson, shared his perspective on his podcast, The Fight With Teddy Atlas. Joined by Ken Rideout, Atlas analyzed the fight, along with other events like UFC 309 and ‘Latino Night’ in Riyadh.
When asked whether Jake Paul carried Tyson in the later rounds, Atlas replied affirmatively, but he emphasized the importance of understanding the reasons behind such behavior. Drawing a courtroom analogy, he explained: “It’s kind of like being in a courtroom. You’re in a courtroom. Okay, you know, is it murder or is it manslaughter? Was the intent to kill? Or did it happen because of other circumstances that brought it about? Was the intent premeditated? That’s what we have to figure out here.”
Atlas explored various possibilities to explain Paul’s actions. One theory was that Paul may have shown mercy out of respect for Tyson, who has been an iconic figure and one of the greatest fighters in boxing history. Atlas suggested that Paul might have hesitated to inflict unnecessary harm on someone he possibly idolized.
Alternatively, Atlas considered that Paul might have acted out of self-preservation. Despite Tyson’s age, diminished skills, and lack of recent fights, the legendary boxer’s power remains a significant threat. Reflecting on Paul’s perspective, Atlas remarked, “I could be too close, and I could get hit, so I’m going to stay at my distance. I’m winning. I’m winning easy. I’m not going to take any risks. I’m going to cash the check. I’m going to win the night. I’m going to get everything we wanted, but I’m not going to risk.”
In essence, Atlas proposed that Paul might have adopted a cautious approach to ensure victory while avoiding unnecessary risks. Though Paul likely harbors great respect for Tyson, his strategy may have been driven more by pragmatism than sentimentality.
The fight has left fans and analysts debating whether Paul genuinely held back or simply played it safe. The event also raised broader questions about the dynamics of matches between younger, active fighters and older legends of the sport.