Mike Tyson could be seen continually biting his gloves (Image: Netflix)
Veteran boxing coach Teddy Atlas has shed light on ‘s peculiar behaviour during his bout with last month. Throughout the heavyweight clash in Texas, spectators were left puzzled as .
Tyson later claimed to have a “biting fixation”. The pair shared a moment of camaraderie in the ring after the fight, with announcer Ariel Helwani questioning the 58 year old – who had been visibly struggling throughout – about his performance.
He asked: “The broadcast team was debating what you were doing with your gloves, was it a mouth piece issue or were you just biting on your glove? ” The seasoned boxer responded: “I have a habit of biting my gloves when I fight,” before adding: “I have a biting fixation.”
The former heavyweight world champion struggled during his comeback to the boxing ring against Paul. ‘Iron Mike’ found it difficult to land a hit on ‘The Problem Child’, managing only 18 punches in the eight-round contest and ultimately losing by unanimous decision.
However, Tyson maintained that he was satisfied with his performance, despite struggling to keep up with the younger American. “I am happy,” he declared. “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.”
Mike Tyson lost to Jake Paul (Image: Getty)
Atlas, who played a pivotal role in the early development of Tyson’s boxing career, has shared his insights on Tyson’s peculiar habit. On his official YouTube channel, THE FIGHT with Teddy Atlas, the ex-boxing coach disclosed that ‘Iron Mike’ has been biting his thumb throughout his career.
“That’s something he did in his amateur days, pro days, and now, of course, he’s done it again,” he commented. “For people that follow Mike Tyson and his career, they’ve seen it before. People were saying, ‘Tyson’s smart, he’s witty. He knows what to say and the importance of having that image’.”
Atlas further explained: “It’s more like a pacifier. Look, everyone gets nervous, even Mike Tyson. Everyone gets doubtful, even Mike Tyson. Everyone gets scared, even Mike Tyson… You bite down on something. Why? To suppress those feelings. To suppress the doubts. To suppress the nervousness, the uneasiness, the insecurity… that’s what it is.”
Following the showdown in Arlington, Tyson confessed he “almost died” prior to his defeat to Paul. In a Twitter post, the legendary boxer stated: “This is one of those situations when you lost but still won. I’m grateful for last night. No regrets to get in ring one last time.”
“I almost died in June. Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won. To have my children see me stand toe to toe and finish 8 rounds with a talented fighter half my age in front of a packed Dallas Cowboy stadium is an experience that no man has the right to ask for. Thank you.”