Michael Irvin, the NFL Hall of Famer, didn't hold back his thoughts on the bout. In a Twitter video, Irvin stated bluntly, "That fight was a lie." He felt the boxers weren't giving it their all, especially noting Tyson's lack of his famous uppercut.
Irvin went on to say,
"That's like making me play a game without running a slant route in the deep end or the deep out."
He believed the fight had restrictions that prevented Tyson from using his signature moves.
Adding fuel to the fire, DJ Whoo Kid claimed he talked to Jake Paul at the after-party. According to him, Paul said, "Legally they each cannot go at each other hard." This statement suggests there might have been rules in place to limit the intensity of the fight.
The fight stats tell an interesting story. Tyson threw 97 punches and landed 18, while Paul threw 278 and landed 78. Despite the difference in punches, Tyson walked away with a reported $20 million payday, and Paul earned $40 million.
It's worth noting that the fight faced some hurdles before it even started. Originally set for July, it got pushed back due to Tyson's health issues. Tyson revealed he had a serious ulcer flare-up in June that almost cost him his life. He needed eight blood transfusions and lost 25 pounds while in the hospital.
After the fight, both boxers shared their thoughts. Tyson took to social media, saying:
"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 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, on the other hand, said, "I wanted to give the fans a show, but I didn't want hurt someone who didn't need to be hurt. I didn't wanna hurt someone that didn't need to be hurt."
Irvin, while critical of the fight, made sure to say he was happy Tyson got paid. "I'm happy he got every dime, or whatever it is. I want him to get his money. I just wanted him to free the beast," Irvin added.
The Tyson-Paul match certainly got people talking, but perhaps not for the reasons they hoped. The controversy and questions surrounding the fight will likely continue for some time.