Mike Tyson's last big fight ended with a loss to Jake Paul in Texas. The 58-year-old former heavyweight champ couldn't keep up with the 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer over eight rounds.
Tyson tried to take the fight to Paul in the first round. But after that, he couldn't do much. His body just couldn't match his fierce mindset anymore. Paul, who's had 12 fights mostly against retired UFC stars, built up a good lead on the scorecards.
The fight got people talking. Some big names in boxing said it looked "scripted." Paul's promotion company strongly denied this. There was also talk about Tyson biting his gloves.
Teddy Atlas, who used to coach Tyson, explained this habit on his podcast:
"It's something Tyson did in his amateur days, pro days, and now again. Tyson claimed 'a biting fixation', but it's more like a pacifier due to nerves. He used it to suppress doubt, nervousness, uneasiness, and insecurities. Everyone gets nervous, doubtful, scared. Even Mike Tyson."
This fits with Tyson's image as "the scary guy, the baddest man on the planet." He's the one who famously said he'd "eat your children." But Tyson's also smart and witty. He knows what to say and understands the importance of image.
The fight broke viewership records. After the match, Tyson said this was his last time in the ring. It looks like the end of an era for one of boxing's biggest names.
