Jake Paul admits he ‘didn’t want to hurt’ Mike Tyson during Netflix bout

Jake Paul unanimously defeated Mike Tyson Friday night in Arlington, Texas, after fighting a marquee bout on Netflix.

Jake Paul unanimously defeated Mike Tyson Friday night in Arlington, Texas, after fighting a marquee bout on Netflix. But at a press conference following the match, the 27-year-old social media star admitted he literally pulled some punches to avoid hurting the 58-year-old former heavyweight champion.

“Yeah, definitely a bit,” Paul said during the post-fight press conference after being asked if he went easy on Tyson. “I wanted to give the fans a show, but I didn’t want to hurt someone that didn’t need to be hurt.”

Mike Tyson and Jake Paul in Arlington, Texas, Nov. 15, 2024.Timothy A. Clary / AFP - Getty ImagesTyson, who hadn't fought in a formal match in 19 years, entered the ring wearing a knee brace. Despite an initial volley of punches, the Brooklyn-born slugger showed signs of waning stamina throughout the eight-round contest.

“I tried to give the best fight I possibly could but when someone’s just surviving in the ring basically, it’s hard to make it exciting,” Paul continued. “I couldn’t really get him to engage me or slip shots and do something super cool or whatever."

A representative for Tyson did not respond to a request for comment. In a statement on X Saturday afternoon, Tyson said he was "grateful" for the match.

https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/boxing/jake-paul-mike-tyson-netflix-rcna180477

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