Tyson Ends Legendary Career With Dignity

By Tommy Acosta

Gratitude. That’s what I felt after the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight. Grateful I was that the old pugilist was not KO’d or hurt badly in the ring.

It was with great apprehension that I awaited that fight, convinced Tyson would be carried out of the ring with a lethal concussion, but in the end, I was surprised at how well he performed.

He came out strong in the first and second two-minute rounds, throwing hard punches and slipping most of what Paul threw. But by the third round, it was obvious age had claimed another victim, and it became a matter of survival for Tyson from that point.

Still, I truly enjoyed the fight Tyson put up. Even in the eighth and final round, Tyson was still throwing punches and dodging Paul’s not-too-lethal punches.

And Paul fought the perfect fight, giving just enough to keep it competitive while being careful not to permanently damage his idol. A few seconds before the last bell, Paul crossed his arms and bowed to Tyson, showing respect to the former champion of the world.

I remain surprised by how well Tyson did, despite the ravages of age. I had hoped for him to at least make it to the fifth round, but he went all the way, proving he still has the heart of a lion. Many of his old skills were there—slightly slower, but still recognizable—though not quick enough to penetrate Paul’s defenses.

The first mistake his handlers made was letting him walk the runway alone to the ring, when he has a knee injury.

That peaked Tyson.

The next was advising him to dance and flit around the ring chasing the running Paul.

This wore out Tyson’s legs. He should have just plodded and waited for an opening or mistake and then”Kapow!’

Paul definitely did not want to mess around on the inside because it was Tyson throwing the heavy bombs initially.

Had they clashed toe-to-toe until one hit the canvas, it would have been Paul. Jake fought a wise fight.

Tyson’s defensive skills were exemplary. He slipped and dodged most everything Paul threw.

Paul also looked smoother and improved: more relaxed, with better footwork.

Tyson was inspiring to us older folks, for sure. He took on the challenge and rose to the occasion with dignity and bravery.

A friend experienced in martial combat said he was disappointed because Tyson looked so old and slow and had lost so much. But the fight wasn’t about who beat up who or how they looked.

It’s time for Tyson to finally hang up those gloves and coast into a happy and glorious future as the icon and champion that he is.