Mike Tyson has posted an emotional statement to explain why he ‘won’ the Jake Paul fight, despite the fact that he actually suffered defeat.
Paul beat Tyson in the controversial and unprecedented Netflix bout in Texas on Saturday, with loud boos ringing out at the end of an underwhelming showdown.
Former world heavyweight champion Tyson, 58, lost to YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul, 27, via unanimous decision in what was his first fight in 19 years.
Tyson, who has pocketed around $20m (£15.7m), has now posted on social media to share his thoughts on the bout.
‘This is one of those situations when you lost but still won,’ Tyson posted on his official X account.
‘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.
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‘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.’
Paul responded to Tyson’s post and wrote: ‘Love you Mike. It was an honor. You’re an inspiration to us all.’
Meanwhile, Paul and Tyson are facing accusations that their Netflix fight was ‘fixed’ from professional boxers who were involved on the undercard.
Speaking after the fight, Sara Bailey, the women’s WBA world light flyweight champion who was in the corner of Lucas Bahdi, the Canadian lightweight who fought on the undercard of Paul vs Tyson on Friday night, has suggested that the main event was set up in order for Tyson to not take significant punishment.
Asked for her thoughts on Paul’s win against Tyson, Bailey told ES NEWS: ‘Yeah, it was fixed, I’m sorry.’
Bahdi added: ‘I think he [Paul] took it easy.’