The world of boxing never runs short on drama, but this latest twist is turning heads: Mike Tyson, a heavyweight legend, is speaking out about his recent exhibition match loss after YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul claimed he “took it easy” on the 57-year-old icon. Tyson’s response? Let’s just say the champ didn’t pull any punches.
Jake Paul’s Bold Admission
In a post-fight interview, Jake Paul stirred the pot by admitting he intentionally held back during the highly publicized exhibition match. “I respect Mike Tyson too much to go all out on him,” Paul said. “He’s a legend, man. I didn’t want to embarrass him.”
The comment immediately sparked a wave of backlash online, with many calling it disrespectful to a man widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time.
Mike Tyson Responds: ‘I Don’t Need Pity’
Of course, Mike Tyson wasn’t about to let that slide. The former heavyweight champ addressed the remarks on his podcast, Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson. “Man, I don’t know what he’s talking about,” Tyson said with a laugh. “If he thinks he ‘took it easy,’ then maybe I went easy on him too. I don’t need anyone’s pity in the ring.”
Tyson, who has always been candid about his strengths and weaknesses, added, “Look, I’m almost 60 years old. I didn’t step in that ring expecting to relive my prime. But I gave the fight everything I had, and I don’t need anyone diminishing that.”
Fans Rally Behind Tyson
As soon as Tyson’s comments went viral, fans took to social media to defend him. “Mike Tyson is a GOAT. Jake Paul needs to respect his elders,” one Twitter user wrote. Another added, “Jake Paul acting like he did Tyson a favor. Boy, sit down.”
Even celebrities weighed in, with rapper Snoop Dogg posting on Instagram, “Mike still the baddest man on the planet. Don’t let these YouTubers fool you.”
Jake Paul Doubles Down
Instead of backing off, Jake Paul seemed to dig his heels in. In a recent Instagram Live, he doubled down on his comments, saying, “I wasn’t trying to disrespect him, but facts are facts. I could’ve done way more damage if I wanted to.”
While Paul’s confidence (or arrogance, depending on who you ask) is nothing new, it’s clear his words have added fuel to an already fiery conversation about the role of influencers in professional sports.
A Reminder of Tyson’s Legacy
Regardless of the outcome, fans are using this moment to remind the world of Mike Tyson’s incredible legacy. “Jake Paul could never step into the same ring as Prime Tyson,” one fan wrote. And honestly? They’re not wrong.
For Tyson, the fight may have been more about the love of the sport than anything else. “Boxing is in my blood,” he said during his podcast. “Win, lose, or draw, I just want to keep doing what I love.”
What’s Next?
With the dust still settling, it’s unclear if this will lead to a rematch or just another round of social media sparring. But one thing’s for sure: Mike Tyson remains an icon, and no amount of shade can change that.
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