By GB News (World News) | Created at 2024-11-16 08:21:06 | Updated at 2024-11-16 10:33:52
2 hours ago
Jake Paul admitted he refused to knock Mike Tyson out despite his initial plans to go all-out on the boxing legend in the ring.
The 27-year-old emerged victorious over Iron Mike by unanimous decision on Friday night at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas but the fight looked largely farcical.
As the fight started, it looked like Tyson might have recaptured his youth with a blazing opening 30 seconds.
But the 58-year-old quickly faded and rounds went and by in the eight-round clash where Tyson struggled to even throw a punch.
Jake Paul admitted he refused to knock Mike Tyson out
Netflix
As millions watched on Netflix and around 70,000 in the stadium, the contest ultimately ended in drab conditions with Tyson sluggishly pulling himself around the ring.
While Paul might be a boxing novice, his youth proved the difference - as many expected - keeping Tyson at range and racking up accurate jabs.
The YouTube star might have thrown heavier shots if he wanted but he insisted in his post-fight press conference that he did not want to - a change in plan after saying earlier in the week that he wanted to 'kill him'.
"I did, a little bit," he said when asked if he was holding back.
"He wasn't really engaging back, I could tell his age was showing and I have so much respect for him
"After he slapped me I wanted to knock him down and stuff but as the fight went on that feeling went away."
JUST IN: Mike Tyson's legacy tarnished as Jake Paul wins controversial boxing fight
While the fight was sanctioned as a professional one, there were distinct changes to the regular rules.
As well as having shorter two-minute rounds, reduced to eight from 12 rounds, both boxers wore heavier gloves with extra padding.
It meant that it would have been harder to score a knockout blow, though that would have required Tyson to have thrown some punches.
Jake Paul refused to knock Mike Tyson out
Reuters
In total, the former world heavyweight champion landed just 18 punches whereas Paul hit 78.
It was the first time that Tyson had fought professionally since 2005 when he was forced to retire on his stool against Kevin McBride.
The veteran boxer, who wore a black brace over his knee against Paul, was asked about the padding after the fight and replied: "Yeah [I had a knee injury], but I can't use that for an excuse."
READ MORE: Netflix forced to issue apology before Mike Tyson and Jake Paul boxing fight
Mike Tyson was barely able to throw punches after the first round
Reuters
"I knew he was a good fighter. I knew he was prepared. I didn't prove nothing to anybody, only to myself. I am just happy with what I can do.
"I don't know [who to fight next], it depends on the situation. I don't think so, maybe his brother [Logan]."
