Boxing Legend Admits Foggy Recollection of High-Profile Exhibition Match
Legendary boxer Mike Tyson has made a startling confession about his recent bout with YouTube personality-turned-boxer Jake Paul, revealing that he has little to no memory of the much-discussed fight that took place on Netflix in November.
A puzzling performance
In a candid interview with Fox News Radio, Tyson provided an unprecedented glimpse into his mental state during the fight. “I don’t remember the fight that much; I kind of blanked out a little,” the former heavyweight champion admitted, sending shockwaves through the boxing community.
Tyson’s recollection of the match is fragmentary at best. He described his last clear memory as Paul seemingly bowing in the final round, stating, “And that’s the last thing I remember,” while mimicking a bowing motion during the interview.
Post-fight confusion
The morning after the fight, Tyson was left bewildered by his own decision to step into the ring. “The day after I woke up and said to my wife, ‘why did I do that?’ I just don’t know what the hell was going on,” he revealed, highlighting the surreal nature of the experience.
Physical toll and emotional reflection
Despite his memory lapses, Tyson was acutely aware of the physical impact of the fight. “I don’t remember it. But my body was really sore [after the fight]. My chest, my stomach was really sore,” he explained.
A near-death experience precedes the fight
The bout came on the heels of a life-threatening health crisis that nearly claimed Tyson’s life. In a previous statement, he shared the dramatic backstory: “I almost died in June. Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs (11kg) in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won.”
In a surprising turn, Tyson demonstrated remarkable grace following the fight. “This is one of those situations when you lost but still won,” he stated, expressing gratitude and claiming to have no regrets about entering the ring one last time.
Jake Paul responded to Tyson’s emotional statement with a message of admiration, writing, “Love you Mike. It was an honor. You’re an inspiration to us all.”
The fight, which saw Tyson landing just 18 punches over eight rounds and ultimately losing by unanimous decision, has become a talking point in the sports world. His candid admission provides a unique insight into the mental and physical challenges faced by aging athletes.
A testament to Tyson’s resilience, the fight represents more than just a sporting event—it’s a narrative of survival, respect, and the unpredictable nature of athletic competition.