Photo Credit:Al Bello Getty I mages for Netflix
The historic Netflix boxing spectacle between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul has left a mark on the legendary fighter's spirit. In a candid December interview with Fox Sports' Covino & Rich, Tyson revealed the emotional toll of his return to the ring, admitting to feeling "depressed a little bit" following the November 15 bout that drew an unprecedented 108 million viewers worldwide.
The fight's path to fruition was marked by significant hurdles. Initially scheduled for July 2024, the event was postponed after Tyson faced a life-threatening health crisis. "I almost died in June," Tyson disclosed on social media. "Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25 pounds in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight."
The 58-year-old boxing icon's return after a 19-year hiatus ended in a unanimous decision victory for Paul, with judges scoring the contest 80-72, 79-73, 79-73. More concerning than the loss itself were Tyson's post-fight revelations about his mental state during the match. "I don't remember the fight that much, I kind of blanked out a little," he told Fox Sports Radio, adding that his last clear memory was Paul's bow after the first round.
Recent developments suggest the physical impact of the bout continues to linger. In an exclusive interview with The Post at the 2025 Pegasus World Cup, Tyson acknowledged his ongoing recovery: "I feel pretty good... I don't know if I'm 100 percent recovered, but I feel good." Despite these challenges, he expressed interest in returning to training, though not for competitive purposes, stating, "I will probably start next month... I'm just getting in shape."
The event has prompted reflection from both Tyson and his inner circle. His wife, Lakiha Spicer, has reportedly ruled out any future fights. The morning after the bout, Tyson questioned his decision to return, telling Spicer, "Why did I do that? I just don't know what the hell was going on."
This historic encounter, while physically and emotionally taxing for Tyson, has secured its place in sports history as Netflix's most-streamed sporting event.
The 58-year-old boxing icon's return after a 19-year hiatus ended in a unanimous decision victory for Paul, with judges scoring the contest 80-72, 79-73, 79-73. More concerning than the loss itself were Tyson's post-fight revelations about his mental state during the match. "I don't remember the fight that much, I kind of blanked out a little," he told Fox Sports Radio, adding that his last clear memory was Paul's bow after the first round.
Recent developments suggest the physical impact of the bout continues to linger. In an exclusive interview with The Post at the 2025 Pegasus World Cup, Tyson acknowledged his ongoing recovery: "I feel pretty good... I don't know if I'm 100 percent recovered, but I feel good." Despite these challenges, he expressed interest in returning to training, though not for competitive purposes, stating, "I will probably start next month... I'm just getting in shape."
The event has prompted reflection from both Tyson and his inner circle. His wife, Lakiha Spicer, has reportedly ruled out any future fights. The morning after the bout, Tyson questioned his decision to return, telling Spicer, "Why did I do that? I just don't know what the hell was going on."
This historic encounter, while physically and emotionally taxing for Tyson, has secured its place in sports history as Netflix's most-streamed sporting event.
