Mike Tyson's boxing career has not been without its controversies, and his most recent bout against YouTube star Jake Paul was no exception. Tyson, now 58 years old, made headlines not just for his age but for his peculiar behavior during the fight, particularly his habit of biting his gloves. This odd quirk prompted questions from viewers and commentators alike, leading Tyson to clarify his fixation after the match.
The fight, held at AT&T Stadium, the home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, ended with Paul defeating Tyson by unanimous decision. Scorecards had Paul winning 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73, reflecting the disparity between the two boxers, particularly noting the age difference. Tyson has not fought professionally since 2005, when he lost to Kevin McBride, and he struggled to keep pace against the younger Paul, who is 27 years old and has been fighting professionally since 2019.
During the match, Tyson was seen repeatedly biting his glove, causing commentators to speculate on the reasoning behind this unusual behavior. Former champion Roy Jones Jr. suggested it could indicate discomfort with Tyson's mouthpiece, highlighting the importance of the mouthpiece for any boxer. Meanwhile, lead commentator Mauro Ranallo noted the habit was something he had seen before during Tyson's career. The biting drew immediate comparisons to Tyson's infamous incident with Evander Holyfield back in 1997, which led to Tyson being disqualified for biting Holyfield's ear.
Addressing these observations after the fight, Tyson stated, "I have a habit of biting my gloves, I have a biting fixation." His direct acknowledgement of this bizarre habit seemed to amuse many, including interviewer Ariel Helwani, who quipped, "I’ve heard about this. I don’t want to know more." Amidst the light-hearted banter, it was clear Tyson's biting fixation wasn't merely about his equipment or any fighting strategy—it's simply part of his unique approach to boxing.
Despite the less-than-stellar performance, Tyson expressed gratitude for having the chance to fight Paul, who he regards as part of the new wave of influential figures in boxing. Paul, for his part, was excited to share the ring with Tyson, calling him "the GOAT" and acknowledging his impact on the boxing world. The mutual respect evident between the pair served as one of the more wholesome moments amid the scrutiny of Tyson's unusual antics within the ring.
This fight, marketed both as competitive boxing and entertainment, adds to the growing trend of crossover matches where celebrities and established fighters meet. Paul has made headlines for taking on various opponents from different backgrounds, positioning himself as both a boxer and entertainer. Tyson, on the other hand, remains one of the sport's most recognizable names, albeit with the weight of years and controversies trailing behind him.
After the bout, Tyson didn't shy away from admitting he may not be done with the sport just yet, stating, "I don't think so," when asked if this would be his last fight. His willingness to return to the ring suggests Tyson is still driven by the sport he loves, and fans eager for more action may soon see him back, glove-biting habit and all.
This recent bout serves as another chapter in Tyson's unpredictable legacy, following his path from heavyweight champion to pop culture icon. It’s safe to say Tyson remains, as always, one of boxing's most intriguing figures, with his biting fixation only adding to the story.
