Mike Tyson received both sympathy and criticism for his defeat to Youtuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on Saturday, with Conor McGregor among the fighters reacting. The 58-year-old lost via unanimous decision after a mediocre eight two-minute rounds at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Paul, 31 years younger than Tyson, has been widely blasted in victory after several US states refused to sanction the bout.
Texas only offered the green light by enforcing changes, including cutting the round times and making the fighters wear heavier gloves that reduce the power of punches.
Among the fight’s critics was UFC icon McGregor, who deleted a controversial reaction tweet after it garnered fierce backlash.
After the final bell, McGregor wrote on X: “They are eyeing Prichard Colon for next opponent.”
Colon’s story is one of boxing’s biggest tragedies. During a fight against Terrel Williams in 2015, the American-Puerto Rican star was punched in the back of the head and later collapsed in his dressing room.
The 32-year-old was left with life-changing injuries after entering a 221-day coma due to a brain haemorrhage. He remains in a vegetative state, receiving every-day care.
One user labelled McGregor a “scumbag” for the swiftly deleted post. Elsewhere, other fighters reacted to Tyson’s defeat.
WBC lightweight champion Gervonta Davis aimed fire at Paul, writing on Instagram: “To the bozo that shared the ring with Mike… you a whole bozo for this and you didn’t get the job done s**thead.”
He also sent Iron Mike support, adding: “You will forever be a legend… whether you like it or not, and there will never be another one! And I understand you so well… all this s**t don’t mean nothing.”
Fellow boxing legend Terence Crawford was less complimentary, slamming Tyson’s hesitant performance.
“I love Mike Tyson, but they giving him too much credit. He looked like trash,” Crawford wrote on X.
“To train that long and only throw 97 punches the whole fight is crazy. I’m just glad he didn’t get hurt out there.”
Former WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew expressed his discrepancy on social media as the fight was ongoing.
He actually paid respect to Paul, suggesting that the ‘Problem Child’ went easy on Tyson to avoid dealing him with a severe injury.
Bellew claimed: “I don’t like this stupid idiot kid, but I will say this. He stopped beating on Mike there and showed him some respect and dignity by letting him survive!
“He didn’t go for the KO there; he stepped off him and let him be… Mike we all adore you king, you’re a super hero to all of us from the proper fight business!”
