Mike Tyson, the boxing icon, stunned fans worldwide by revealing the real reason behind his decision to face Jake Paul last November. In an interview with Sean Hannity, the former world champion shared his candid thoughts on the matter.
This revelation exposed the complex factors that led Tyson to come out of retirement to fight the controversial influencer. The former champion was battling serious health issues, including a âbleeding ulcerâ that required blood transfusions, putting his well-being at significant risk.
Tyson made an unexpected admission, revealing that the primary reason he agreed to the fight was pressure to avoid a lawsuit. âI was worried about getting sued, you know, because I was like, âGod, theyâre going to sue me if I donât do this fight,'â Tyson confessed.
Tyson vs. Paul: A global spectacle with an unpredicted twist
Despite the risks, Tyson fulfilled his commitment and stepped into the ring, turning the event into a massive media phenomenon. The fight shattered audience records, drawing an astonishing 65 million viewers worldwide.
Jake Paul fights during LIVE On Netflix: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium on November 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images for Netflix © 2024)
The showdown, filled with unique moments and tension, also produced a viral spectacle during the pre-fight face-off. In a taunting move, Jake Paul crawled across the floor before locking eyes with Tyson. Without hesitation, the former champion reacted by slapping Paul, a moment that quickly spread across social media.
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Tyson later explained that the slap was an instinctive reaction to Paul stepping on his foot. âI wanted to give the fans a show, but I didnât want to hurt someone that didnât need to be hurt,â he said. âThere was a point where he was not engaging back. I could just tell his age was showing a little bit. That violent war mentality⊠it faded as the rounds went on.â
Tysonâs unexpected payday
Despite the loss and personal struggles, Tyson walked away with a substantial financial gain, reportedly earning $20 million from the fight. Paul, meanwhile, is said to have made around $40 million.
Tysonâs revelation about the motivations behind the fight has sent shockwaves through the boxing community. His candid admission underscores that, even for sports legends, career decisions can sometimes be driven by factors beyond athletic glory.
