In one of the more bizarre and controversial events of boxing’s 2024, Mike Tyson returned to the ring to face YouTuber-turned-fighter Jake Paul.
The eight-round contest was widely criticised in the lead-up for the dangers it presented to 58-year-old Tyson, who retired from the professional sport way back in 2005 after back-to-back defeats.
Fears only grew when the initial date was postponed due to the former undisputed heavyweight champion taking seriously ill on a flight – an episode he would later reveal could have been deadly.
Paul entered the ring a favourite due to his youth. He is inexperienced and, according to many Hall of Fame fighters, unskilled, but packs a punch having scored knockouts in seven of his 11 victories. That includes an ESPN KO of the Year over former UFC fighter Tyron Woodley which saw the MMA man laid out flat on his face.
Thankfully, ‘Iron’ Mike lasted the distance in the fight, though lost by a wide unanimous decision having been largely uncompetitive. In the aftermath, he was asked by FOX Sports Radio to rate Paul’s power and confirmed that it was significant.
“I don’t remember it, but my body, my chest, stomach and stuff was really sore … Jake punches hard. My body hurt so bad.”
Tyson has since confirmed his now second retirement from the sport that made him so famous. Paul forges on in his campaign. Despite being offered fights by many current world champions, he has instead been linked to another UFC star in Conor McGregor.
