The more Mike Tyson discusses his fight with Jake Paul, the stranger the revelations become. His recent remarks leave audiences wondering why he admitted such things. If anything, it would be better if the public didn’t know.

In The Aftermath

Mike Tyson’s fight against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul may be over, but its aftermath lingers in our minds. Part of the reason it can’t go away is that “Iron Mike” and Paul continue to indulge the media.

In a recent interview, Mike Tyson revealed what happened during a match with Jake Paul. The boxer now claims scant memories of the fight. Fox Sports News cites Tyson.

“I vaguely remember stumbling back to my corner and seeing Jake acting strangely in the first round, but that is all I remember.”

That is enough; it says a lot.

Mike Tyson The Great Illusionist

Though this admission is commendable, it does little to appease the public. This further casts doubt on his and Paul’s decision to challenge each other. While arguments can be made that Tyson needed the money or wanted to prove something to his kids, what does it say about Paul? Why did Paul consider such a matchup? Is he devoid of respect and decency?

Pay No Attention To Who’s Behind The Curtain

The public would have been better off not knowing most of what Tyson now claims. Knowing what is now known, the idea anyone believed he could take Paul is ridiculous. The fact is, many ignored the fact that this match was not fair. The odds were stacked heavily against Mike, but his legion of loyal fans still believed. In hindsight, betting on a 58-year-old boxer against a young, ambitious opponent does not seem like the smartest idea.

Uncovering The Great Dupe

Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. Image Source: USA Today

How did Tyson convince people he could defeat Paul? There was evidence suggesting Tyson could take this fight. Comparisons were also made. To whom would they compare this once giant? Two words answer that question: George Foreman.

George Foreman, too, came out of retirement briefly to return to the ring. As Screen Rant notes,

“Foreman was able to become the heavyweight champion of the world again thanks to a number of adjustments to his fighting style, which allowed him to recapture much of the power from his youth, but add in the necessary stamina he formerly lacked.”

A Special Case

His display was inspiring. He was a walking demonstration that age is not necessarily a barrier and doesn’t define one’s ability to win. Foreman and “Iron Mike” are two different people with two unique approaches. There was also a very significant difference between Foreman’s situation and Tyson’s.

George Foreman was still two decades younger than Tyson. Foreman re-entered the ring at 38. An individual’s body experiences increased wear and tear as it ages. Tyson’s body had already been overextended. Then there’s the fact that not all athletes are equal.

Tyson: Tired Of The Act

The legend seems unfazed by the outcome. He is quite content. Yahoo notes that when questioned about whether he regrets getting into the ring with Paul, Tyson confidently stated,

“Absolutely not.”

Not sure his fans feel the same.

Leaving The Audience Aghast

If anything, there is a feeling of disappointment and regret for betting on an illusion. The pre-fight videos and endorsements were deceptive, hyping the boxer’s condition. The news following the fight presented an alternative narrative.

It would be great if the boxer was this transparent prior to the fight. He has also shed light on the extent of his illness last summer. He told reporters last summer he was fighting for his life. Likely, most people wouldn’t have bet on the fighter if they knew this in advance. They likely would have opposed the match if they were told he received eight blood transfusions and lost half of his blood.

Mike Tyson’s Curtain Calls

Tyson’s blackout in the ring is alarming. When someone makes a choice, it is up to them to accept the consequences of that choice. Regardless of any controversy, it was his decision, and he stood by it. Did he sell his self-respect? Was getting back into that ring really that imperative? If he thinks so, who can say anything differently? There’s no need to assume anything further; just observe as the former champion adds to the many reasons he didn’t belong in the ring. Considering who he once was.

Let’s take a minute to remember that guy.