Jake Paul, known for his high-profile boxing showdowns, recently opened up about his fight with the legendary Mike Tyson, revealing a surprising decision he made mid-bout.
Paul admitted to showing mercy during their match, held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, after noticing the 58-year-old icon was struggling to keep up.
The 27-year-old social media star-turned-boxer claimed he consciously eased off the pressure, choosing not to pursue a knockout victory despite fan expectations. Speaking after securing a unanimous decision win, Paul explained his mindset:
“Yeah, definitely,” Paul said when asked if he let up in the later rounds. “I wanted to give the fans a show, but I didn’t want to hurt someone who didn’t need to be hurt.”
Jake’s strategy appeared to shift noticeably by Round 3. While fans voiced their frustration in the final minutes, booing the lack of high-octane action, Paul clarified that his decision came from a place of respect.
He acknowledged that Tyson, once hailed as “The Baddest Man on the Planet,” seemed more focused on survival than on mounting an offensive.
“I couldn’t really get him to engage or make it a dynamic fight,” Paul said. “But it’s not about what people say. Everyone’s going to have opinions, and I’m just focused on what I can control.”
Paul also mentioned that Tyson’s punches lacked the power he expected, an observation he says has become a recurring theme throughout his career. Despite the legend’s clear age-related challenges, Mike Tyson’s spirit remains unbroken.
In a post-fight twist, Tyson expressed interest in facing Jake’s older brother, Logan Paul, signaling that he’s not ready to leave the ring just yet.
The matchup showcased a unique blend of sportsmanship and entertainment, with Jake Paul proving that sometimes, victory isn’t just about winning but about respecting those who paved the way.
