Probably the most hyped occasions of the 2024 TV schedule was the battle between former teen influencer Jake Paul and OG Heavy Weight Champion of the World Mike Tyson, which was hosted by one of many greatest streaming providers, Netflix. From complaints about tech issues to individuals claiming the battle was rigged, for sure, the occasion didn’t go fairly how anybody anticipated, even “Iron Mike” himself, who not too long ago admitted to feeling a bit “depressed” following the much-talked-about loss to Paul.
Talking candidly on Fox Sports activities Radio (later shared on their YouTube channel), Tyson revealed the toll the occasion took on him emotionally. The buildup, the battle, and the aftermath all created a rollercoaster expertise that left the previous heavyweight champ feeling unexpectedly down. He revealed to the hosts:
That battle was such a giant [ascent]. We had been so up and excessive, we had been so excited. The battle’s over, increase. Wow, I am sort of depressed a bit bit. We obtained to get again to our dwelling state of affairs, dwelling what we all know. [We were] coaching for it 9 months.
For Tyson, who has skilled numerous highs and lows each inside and out of doors the ring, this bout represented extra than simply one other battle—it was a profoundly private journey. After coaching for almost a yr, the match appeared to dominate his psychological and bodily focus. Nevertheless, the abrupt transition again to on a regular basis life left him grappling with a way of loss and stagnation.
The legendary fighter confronted off in opposition to Jake Paul at AT&T Stadium in mid-November, a matchup initially scheduled for July. The battle was postponed after the ring legend suffered a medical occasion on a aircraft, a extreme ulcer flare-up, however the delay solely heightened anticipation. When the bout lastly occurred, it was streamed stay to everybody with a Netflix subscription, the place an unimaginable 65 million viewers worldwide tuned in to witness the enduring fighter’s return after a 19-year break.
When requested how he would reply to critics suggesting he held again and even threw the battle, the Corridor-of-Famer supplied a stunning and candid admission:
I do not keep in mind the battle that a lot. I sort of blanked out a bit bit… The day after I awakened and mentioned to my spouse, ‘Why did I do this?’ I simply don’t know what the hell was occurring.
Tyson’s honesty is refreshing, however comic Katt Williams may need nailed the perfect take on the battle. Why did Mike step into the ring? Properly, 20 million causes make a reasonably convincing case. Not too dangerous for “throwing 18 punches,” proper?
In the meantime, Jake Paul appears decided to solidify his place in skilled boxing, along with his sights reportedly set on Canelo Alvarez. Nevertheless, his victory over “The Baddest Man on the Planet” may not have achieved him any favors in that division. Even Roy Jones Jr. commented through the bout that Paul didn’t precisely seem like he belonged within the ring.
For followers of fight sports activities, Mike Tyson’s transparency is a strong reminder of the emotional weight carried by even the best athletes, whether or not they win or lose. Who is aware of? Possibly the 2025 TV schedule will deliver the pugilistic powerhouse one other second within the highlight—one that might elevate his spirits and put extra change in his pockets.
Till then, try Netflix’s 2025 schedule to see what different must-see occasions are coming to the platform within the New Yr.