Mike Tyson has been tipped to continue his professional boxing career despite his one-sided defeat to Jake Paul.Tyson, 58, came out of retirement to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul, 27, in a money-spinning fight in Texas on November 15, streamed live on Netflix.
The fight was originally due to take place in July but was forced to be postponed after the former heavyweight champion suffered an ulcer flare-up in March.AdvertThe pair finally met at AT&T Stadium last month and Paul emerged victorious, cruising to victory against his much older opponent.Tyson looked a shadow of his former self and landed just 18 punches during the fight, later admitting that he couldn’t remember most of the contest.
Paul, meanwhile, conceded in his post-fight press conference that he held back in the final rounds out of respect for Tyson.Netflix revealed that 60 million households watched the fight, making it one of the most-watched combat sports events in history.Tyson refused to immediately retire after the fight, calling out Jake’s brother Logan Paul in the ring, but performed a u-turn just a few hours later – revealing he “almost died” during his health scare earlier this year.
“No regrets to get in ring one last time. I almost died in June. Had eight blood transfusions,” said Tyson.”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.”AdvertBut despite those comments, the former heavyweight legend is now being tipped to potentially return to professional boxing.Former heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs claims Tyson could be convinced to continue, but only if the money is right.
Speaking on behalf of the Brownsville Boxing Gym and Academy [via World Boxing News], Briggs said: “These days, we’ve got doctors, recovery treatments, all kinds of advancements. If you’re not getting seriously hurt, why stop fighting?
Advert”I’ll tell you this: if they came to Mike Tyson when he’s 68 years old and said ‘Hey, we’ve got $200 million for you’, you better believe Mike’s grabbing a walking stick and stepping back into that ring.”Mike Tyson and Jake Paul reveal how much they’re being paidPaul, meanwhile, is yet to confirm his next boxing match although potential fights against Tommy Fury, KSI and even Conor McGregor have been touted as possibilities.