For some athletes, the passion for competition becomes an integral part of their identity, and the absence of that passion can leave a huge void. That’s what boxing legend Mike Tyson is experiencing after his stunning defeat to Jake Paul.
On November 15, the two faced off at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in a bout that captured the world’s attention, breaking the Netflix record for the highest live viewership.
Despite the exciting atmosphere, the aftermath of the fight caused psychological challenges for Mike Tyson, who admitted to feeling depressed since leaving the ring.
The Return Journey and Beyond
Mike Tyson, 58, entered the bout on a mission to rekindle the fighting spirit that made him the youngest heavyweight champion in history. His training videos captivated the crowd, and his bold promises to reclaim his former glory sparked. However, the bout ended in a unanimous decision in favor of Jake Paul, leaving Tyson not only physically but emotionally drained.
During an interview with Steve Covino and Rich Davis on Fox Sports Radio, Tyson spoke candidly about the mental challenges he faced after the fight, saying:
“That fight was a huge upswing, we were so excited. The fight ends, and all of a sudden I’m a little bit depressed. We need to get back to everyday life, get back to living. We’ve been training for that fight for nine months.”
Despite reports that he made $20 million from the event, Tyson admitted that the build-up to the fight gave him a new purpose. With the fight over, adjusting to everyday life became a challenge.
Controversy surrounding the fight
The result was not without controversy, with some accusing the fight of being rigged in favor of Jake Paul. These accusations were based on Tyson’s calm performance, which led some to question the integrity of the fight.
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), the event’s organizer, has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “preposterous and absurd,” adding: “Each boxer was able to use all of his weapons to win. Any agreement to the contrary is a violation of the rules of boxing.”
“Jake has proven himself time and time again, and he continues to break records that speak for themselves,” said Nakisa Bedrian, co-founder of MVP.
What’s next for Tyson?
While Mike Tyson’s age suggests he may be retiring, his instability may be an indication that he’s not ready to quit boxing just yet.
His comments highlight the psychological challenges athletes can face after major events, leaving the future unclear for the boxing legend.
