Jake Paul and Mike Tyson’s November fight has been slammed (Image: Getty)
UFC legend Don Frye has confessed that face-off with former heavyweight world champion made him feel sick. The boxing community was left in shock last year when Tyson announced his plans to return to the professional ring.
His last official match before his clash with Paul was back in 2005, where he lost to former Irish boxer Kevin McBride. However, he did participate in an exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr in 2020.
Many were concerned for Tyson’s health ahead of the contest, but the boxing icon shared several clips of his preparations for the fight, sparking global conversation and leading fans to believe he could turn back time. Regrettably, his age was apparent on the night of the fight, and it was clear that the 58-year-old had nothing more to give after the second round.
Despite not achieving a knockout finish, Paul went on to win by unanimous decision in Texas. Following the main event in November, prominent figures in the combat sports community were quick to criticise the event.
Two months after the contentious showdown, people are still questioning the fight and wondering why it ever happened.
In an interview with Gary Goodridge, Frye expressed his disgust over the fight, stating: “I tell you what buddy, that (fight) made me want to vomit. I was so disgusted with that I had to go home and put in Tommy Hearns and Sugar Ray Robinson and Sugar Ray Leonard and Jake Lamotta, Rocky Marciano. I had to watch some real fighters because if I didn’t I’d never watch another boxing match again. That was a fraud.”
After the fight, Tyson took to Twitter to reveal that he “almost died” before the bout, saying: “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.”
Mike Tyson was criticised for returning to the ring aged 58 (Image: Getty)
Tyson had previously recounted the serious health scare he had while on a plane, which led to the postponement of the original bout against Paul last July. He revealed: “I was in the bathroom throwing up blood. I asked the doctor, ‘Am I going to die? ‘ He said, ‘We have options.’ Options? I couldn’t believe it.
“I had, like, eight blood transfusions. The doctor said I lost half my blood. I almost died. I lost 25 pounds in 11 days. Couldn’t eat. Only liquids. Every time I went to the bathroom, it smelled like tar. Didn’t even smell like s*** anymore. It was disgusting.
“It threw me off [when I continued training]. All my coordination, stamina, everything was hectic getting back. I was peaked already. I could have fought him that day. Now I got to start from scratch. I just don’t give up. I’m an a****** sometimes. I’m a d***. If I haven’t outlived my enemies, I’ve turned them into my friends.”