Mike Tyson insists he has no regrets and is still a winner in a social media post following his defeat to Jake Paul in Texas on Friday night.
The 58-year-old former boxer returned to the ring for the first time in nearly two decades to take on YouTuber Paul in a highly-publicised fight watched by 70,000 inside the AT&T Stadium in Arlington and millions streaming on Netflix.
Paul, more than half Tyson’s age at 27, won the fight 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73 in an event heavily criticised by many boxing purists.
Tyson managed just 18 punches during the eight two-minute rounds, while Paul connected with 78, keeping his older opponent at bay with youthful agility and well-timed jabs.
Despite the loss, Tyson, widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, opted to remain positive and express gratitude for the chance to put on the gloves once more.
This is one of those situations when you lost but still won. I’m grateful for last night. No regrets to get in ring one last time.
I almost died in June. Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won.
To…
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) November 16, 2024
He wrote on social media: “This is one of those situations when you lost but still won. I’m grateful for last night. No regrets to get in ring one last time.
“I almost died in June,” Tyson added, in reference to the ulcer that pushed back the initial fight date and that he said caused him to throw up blood and had him “defecating tar”.
“[I] had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won.
“To have my children see me stand toe to toe and finish 8 rounds with a talented fighter half my age in front of a packed Dallas Cowboy stadium is an experience that no man has the right to ask for. Thank you.”
Responding to Tyson’s post, Paul wrote: “Love you Mike. It was an honor. You’re an inspiration to us all.”
Love you Mike. It was an honor. You’re an inspiration to us all.
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) November 16, 2024
The event appears to have been a lucrative endeavour for both fighters. According to reports, Paul is set to make $40 million, with Tyson, who was jailed in 1992 for the rape of Desiree Washington, expected to pocket $20 million for the night.
