After his controversial victory over Mike Tyson, Jake Paul has publicly apologized, acknowledging that the fight was underwhelming for fans. Paul admitted to holding back, saying, “I didn’t want to hurt someone that didn’t need to be hurt.” He shared that as the fight progressed and Tyson visibly tired, his aggression waned. Paul emphasized his respect for Tyson, calling him “a legend I love” and reflecting that his goal was to give fans a show without causing harm.
Tyson, now 58, revealed his own struggles during the bout, sharing that he almost didn’t make it to the ring due to a severe health scare in June. He described undergoing eight blood transfusions and losing 25 pounds in the hospital before recovering to compete. Despite his loss, Tyson said, “This is one of those situations where you lose but still win.” He expressed gratitude for standing toe-to-toe with a much younger opponent in front of his children and a packed stadium.
Paul, who faced criticism for the fight’s lack of intensity, defended his performance in a post-match podcast, explaining, “When someone’s just surviving in the ring, it’s hard to make it exciting.” Fans were divided, with some accusing Paul of intentionally making the fight appear less competitive, while others admired his restraint.
The Netflix-streamed event, a first for the platform, was heavily hyped but left viewers debating whether it delivered. Both fighters are reflecting on the fight’s impact, with Tyson hinting at retirement and Paul teasing more bouts in the future.
