Mike Tyson, the iconic 58-year-old boxing legend, has opened up about his emotional state following his loss to Jake Paul, admitting that he felt “depressed a little bit.” In a candid interview on Dec. 9 with Covino & Rich on Fox Sports, Tyson shared his feelings after the highly publicized fight, explaining how the excitement leading up to the event made the aftermath particularly challenging.
Tyson described the lead-up to the match as a thrilling period, with the anticipation and preparation creating a euphoric atmosphere. However, once the fight was over, the 58-year-old found himself struggling emotionally. “That fight was such a big ascent — we were so up and high, we were so excited,” Tyson said. “The fight’s over, boom. Wow, I’m kind of depressed a little bit. We got to get back … to living.” He also noted the toll of the nine months of intense training he endured before stepping into the ring with Paul.
The match took place on Nov. 15, 2024, marking Tyson’s return to the boxing ring for the first time in 19 years. The fight was part of a highly anticipated spectacle streamed live on Netflix, drawing an astounding 108 million viewers worldwide. This made it the most-watched sporting event in Netflix’s history, showcasing Tyson’s legendary status even in the twilight of his career.
Tyson’s journey to the ring wasn’t easy. The bout, initially scheduled for July 2024, was delayed until November after Tyson suffered a life-threatening ulcer. Despite the health setback, Tyson managed to recover and get himself into fighting shape for the event, even though he questioned his decision to make such a comeback. He candidly admitted to his confusion after the fight, sharing how he felt the need to ask his wife, Lakiha Spicer, why he had gone through with it.
“I just don’t know what the hell was going on,” Tyson revealed about his state of mind after the fight. Despite the loss, Tyson didn’t see it entirely as a defeat, stating that while he “lost,” he “still won” in some ways, acknowledging his physical and emotional strength in pushing through to face Jake Paul.
Reflecting on the match itself, Tyson mentioned that he “blanked out a little” during the fight, not recalling much of what happened. “I don’t remember the fight that much,” Tyson shared, adding that the next thing he remembered was Paul’s peculiar behavior in the ring after the first round. Tyson mimicked Paul’s bowing gestures, saying, “That’s the last thing I remember.”
In addition to his memory lapse, Tyson shared the physical toll the fight took on his body, particularly on his chest and stomach. The aftermath left him feeling sore and uncomfortable, which further contributed to his internal questioning of the fight’s purpose.
As the conversation continued, the hosts joked with Tyson about a viral moment from the event, referencing his bare-butt incident that captured social media’s attention. Tyson chuckled at the comment, acknowledging that his exposed backside had become an unexpected internet sensation. “Television has really changed. That became a big thing. That’s just so ridiculous,” Tyson said, brushing off the incident with humor. He added, “That’s not important. I’ve been that way my whole career, my butt’s been showing.”
Despite the playful banter, Tyson’s vulnerability in reflecting on the emotional and physical challenges he faced post-fight highlighted a more personal side of the legendary fighter, who continues to inspire fans with his openness and honesty.
