MIKE TYSON made a shock retirement U-turn just 12 hours after calling out Logan Paul following his one-sided defeat to younger brother Jake.
Iron Mike, 58, also revealed that he came close to death when his bout with the Youtuber-turned-boxer was initially postponed in June.
Tyson recovered to make it to the ring on Friday night and was beaten by the younger Paul brother in an underwhelming unanimous decision.
After the result was announced, Tyson refused to retire.
He was asked by Netflix host Ariel Helwani in the ring: “Do you want to do this again or are you officially done now?”
Tyson replied: “I don’t know. It depends on the situation.”
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Pushed on who he would like to fight next, Tyson brilliantly hit back with a cheeky smile, saying: “Maybe his brother.”
But he has since performed a U-turn on that stance and confirmed that Friday’s snooze-fest was the last time he’d perform in the ring.
Tyson’s statement on X read: “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 eight blood transfusions.
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“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.”
When Logan was initially called out, the WWE star said: “F***, I would kill you, Mike.”
Tyson’s health scare in June, which forced the postponement, almost cost him his life.
The boxing legend thought his days were numbered in May when a two-and-a-half-inch-deep stomach ulcer left him vomiting blood as it wreaked havoc on his insides.
Concerns for Tyson’s health were downplayed at the time as organisers insisted he would indeed be fit to fight on November 15.
Paul was heavily criticised for taking the fight against a man 31 years his senior – the biggest age gap in a professional boxing match.
However, he was praised for clearly stepping back at times and refusing to pursue a knockout when Tyson looked unsteady and tired after round three.
The 27-year-old even bowed to the former heavyweight champion in the final round.
Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson round-by-round
MIKE TYSON’s long-awaited return to the ring didn’t have the fairytale ending fight fans dreamed of.
SunSport’s boxing expert Wally Downes Jr recaps one of the drabbest and most forgettable nights in boxing history.
And he didn’t hold back, issuing a scathing assessment of social media sensation Jake Paul.
Round One
Paul says “I love you, Mike” just before the opening bell sounds. He quickly runs away and holds the boxing legend.
Tyson draws a big reaction from the crowd as he lands a jab and a good right hand.
Verdict: 10-9 Tyson
Round Two
Paul ran away in the opener and held – just like we thought he would.
Tommy Fury had it first and now Mike Tyson. It’s clever because Tyson will tire. Paul tags Tyson’s body with a straight right.
Tyson looks spent now. 180 seconds in and the fight looks over.
Verdict: 10-9 Tyson
Round Three
The legend cannot even keep his gumshield in. As expected it’s a waste of time. Paul has run away until the 58-year-old has tired.
Shooting ducks in a barrel now. Tyson might get hurt here. Paul lands a couple of clumsy shots and Tyson wobbles backwards.
Tragic after three.
Verdict: 10-9 Paul
Round Four
This is proper rubbish. The crowd are bored and boos are being heard.
This is just two tired big lumps going at it. One a legend, one a promoter.
Verdict 10-9 Paul
Round Five
Paul jabs the body and aims right for the head and another one-two clips the icon.
Tyson cannot keep his mouthpiece in, he is gasping for air. Paul lands a left hook but then so does Tyson.
Verdict 10-9 Paul
Round Six
Thank God these weren’t three-minute rounds. We are getting about four punches per round.
Tyson is gasping in the air but replays show a left hook did graze Paul’s beard.
Verdict 10-9 Paul
Round Seven
Tyson slips a jab and tries an uppercut. The commentator admits it has been a “sad” spectacle.
The AT&T stadium has been utterly stunk out. Paul is looking just as tired as Tyson.
Verdict 10-9 Paul
Round Eight
Go back to YouTube, Jake. You’re an excellent conman. But you’ve never been a boxer.
The Judges decide: 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73. I’m glad Tyson gets paid and has stayed safe.
But what a laughable performance from Paul to add to his stinker with Tommy Fury.
Verdict 10-9 Paul
SunSport’s final scorecard – 78-74 for Jake Paul
Click to read the full round-by-round breakdown.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
