Aged 58, Mike Tyson was beaten by YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in an exhibition-style fight in Arlington. He lost on points.
The judges rendered a unanimous decision after the 8 rounds of 2 minutes. Mike Tyson, who had not fought professionally since 2005, and after a good start to the fight, was largely dominated by his opponent. “It’s such an honor, Mike Tyson is a legend, the greatest in history, he inspired me. It was very hard as expected“, greeted Jake Paul. “I’m happy, I have nothing to prove to anyone but myself, I’ve been happy with what I’ve been able to do“, commented Mike Tyson for his part.
Almost 20 years without fighting
Mike Tyson, boxing legend, youngest heavyweight world champion in 1986, had not boxed professionally since June 2005 and a defeat against Irishman Kevin McBride. He had to postpone the originally scheduled fight against Paul on July 20, after receiving medical treatment on May 26 on board a plane due to an ulcer.
Many observers, including former world champion Deontay Wilder, have expressed concern about seeing a nearly sixty-year-old lined up in a professional fight, saying they fear a serious injury. The fight, fought in front of more than 72,000 spectators, was adapted for this purpose, with 8 rounds of 2 minutes (instead of 12 rounds of 3 minutes) and slightly thicker gloves.
afp/bur
Swiss
