Mike Tyson has opened up about his emotional state following his recent loss to Jake Paul in a high-profile boxing match on November 15, 2024. The 58-year-old boxing legend, known for his fierce career and passionate fanbase, admitted feeling “depressed a little bit” after the event, reflecting on the emotional impact of the fight and its aftermath.
Tyson’s Reaction to the Loss
In an interview with Covino & Rich on Fox Sports on December 9, Tyson shared that the build-up to the fight was filled with excitement and anticipation. “That fight was such a big ascent — we were so up and high, we were so excited,” Tyson explained. However, once the fight was over, he found himself feeling the opposite. “The fight’s over, boom. Wow, I’m kind of depressed a little bit. We got to get back … to living,” Tyson continued. He revealed that the intense training, which lasted for nine months, left him mentally and physically drained after the fight.
The bout, which marked Tyson’s return to the ring after a 19-year hiatus, was streamed live on Netflix, drawing an astonishing 108 million viewers globally. This made it the most-watched sporting event in the history of the streaming platform.
Health Challenges Leading to the Fight
Tyson’s comeback was not without its difficulties. Originally scheduled for July 2024, the fight was postponed to November after Tyson faced a severe health scare involving a life-threatening ulcer. Tyson spoke about the challenges he faced in getting fit for the fight, saying, “I had to get healthy to fight.” Despite the physical struggles, Tyson pushed forward, determined to return to the ring.
Tyson’s Memories of the Fight
During the interview, Tyson revealed that his memory of the actual fight was somewhat unclear. He mentioned, “I don’t remember the fight that much, I kind of blanked out a little.” Tyson described his recollection of the first round, recalling Jake Paul’s actions but admitting that much of the rest of the fight remained a blur. Tyson further elaborated on this, mimicking Paul’s actions in the ring, which added a humorous touch to the otherwise serious conversation.
Reflecting on the Comeback
Tyson also expressed feelings of confusion and regret following his loss. He admitted to questioning why he even agreed to the comeback. “The day after I woke up and said to my wife, ‘Why did I do that?’ I just don’t know what the hell was going on,” Tyson said. His wife, Lakiha Spicer, whom he has been married to since 2009, was there for him during these reflective moments.
Beyond the emotional toll, Tyson felt the physical strain of the fight. “My body was really sore — my chest, my stomach was really sore,” he shared. Despite the loss, Tyson’s resilience shines through as he continues to reflect on the experience.
The Viral “Bare-Butt” Moment
In addition to discussing the fight, Tyson addressed a moment that went viral during the Netflix event. The incident, where Tyson’s bare backside was visible, became a major talking point. Laughing it off, Tyson said, “Television has really changed. That became a big thing. That’s just so ridiculous.” He continued, “That’s not important. I’ve been that way my whole career, my butt’s been showing.”
Tyson’s candid remarks show the emotional complexity of his comeback, where the thrill of stepping back into the ring was tempered by the physical toll and the aftermath of the loss. For Tyson, the journey was not just about a fight, but about pushing personal limits and dealing with the realities of aging and physical recovery.
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