Commentary on Mike Tyson’s fight performance has been polarizing to say the least. Those who watched peak Iron Mike, the 80s-era boxer that intimidated opponents by simply being, were critical of him moving like a man who has been on this planet for almost six decades (SMH).
“Mind might be willing but Tyson’s body just isn’t able,” posted NFL Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe. “It’s sad watching this.”
“Just sad,” added Lakers HOF point guard and serial entrepreneur Earvin “Magic” Johnson. “I cut it off because I couldn’t watch anymore.”
Magic, an athlete who has tried to come back to the NBA twice after abruptly retiring due to an HIV diagnosis in 1991, should know first-hand how difficult it is to battle rust and Father Time. At 58 years old, defeating Jake Paul, 27, wasn’t realistic for Tyson, but nostalgia, coupled with Tyson's sparring footage, helped the fans build a narrative that the Brooklyn Bomber could actually pull off the win.
But that perspective was wrong. We’ve failed to see that Tyson was already victorious regardless of the decison in the squared circle. With a hard-knock life that most wouldn't survive, this is all dessert for Brooklyn’s favorite son. “I almost died in June,” posted Tyson, after the fight. “Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in [sic] hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won.”
Aging isn’t easy for the casual sports enthusiast. For super athletes who have dominated a sport at the highest level, not being able to deliver athletic excellence has to be extremely humbling. As Tyson tells it, he was fighting for more than money and legacy.
"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," Tyson also posted.
LEVEL sat with Tyson last year to discuss ageing and how the former undisputed heavyweight champion was handling it. His family-over-everything mantra was evident back then.
"My family's more important than my championship, my money, anything," Tyson told us back then. "Before it was just total focus on being the greatest fighter in the world.