Mike Tyson has broken his silence after returning to the ring in a losing effort against Jake Paul.
Tyson was back in the squared circle for the first time in 19 years in the huge Netflix clash at the AT&T Stadium, taking on Paul, 31 years junior.
Though he started well, the 58-year-old struggled and only managed 18 punches in the eight-round fight, which Paul won comfortably via unanimous decision after the judges scored it 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73 in his favour.
But Tyson feels as though he still won despite the loss after mixing it up with Paul just months after nearly dying and requiring eight blood transfusions after losing 25 lbs in hospital following an ulcer flare-up which postponed the bout.
He took to X to comment on the fight and outcome and said he had “no regrets” over getting in the ring “one last time” in front of his children.
Tyson wrote: “This is one of those situations when you lost but still won. I’m grateful for last night. No regrets to get in ring one last time.
“I almost died in June. Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won.
“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. Thank you.”
Jake Paul bowed to Mike Tyson in a sign of respect. Image: Getty
There was some animosity at the weigh-in when former heavyweight champion Tyson slapped Paul for standing on his toes but it was all respect on fight night.
Paul bowed to Tyson prior to the final bell sounding and then the two shared an embrace. In his post-fight press conference, The Problem Child admitted he chose against knocking Tyson out as he “didn’t wanna hurt someone that didn’t need to be hurt”.
Though he appeared to express interest in fighting Paul’s older brother Logan in the ring, it seems as though Tyson has conceded his career is done and dusted.
