Mike Tyson 'embarrassed' by career-end fight, grateful to Jake Paul for not finishing him, claims source

ARLINGTON, TEXAS: Mike Tyson, 58, is feeling embarrassed after facing Jake Paul, 27 in a highly anticipated boxing match on Netflix, marking a dramatic conclusion to his storied career.

The fight, watched by 65 million fans, ended with Paul emerging victorious by unanimous decision, leaving Tyson in "rough shape."

The match, held in Arlington, Texas, was Tyson’s first professional bout since his 2005 loss to Kevin McBride.

Mike Tyson admits defeat and gratitude for Jake Paul’s restraint

Despite lasting all eight rounds, Mike Tyson was visibly outmatched by the young YouTuber-turned-boxer, Jake Paul.

Tyson reportedly expressed gratitude that Paul held back from delivering the knockout punch he had threatened prior to the fight, following the incident where Tyson slapped Paul during the weigh-in face-off.

The boxing legend then revealed Paul had stepped on his foot which had triggered the reaction as he was in pain.

"Mike is so thankful that Jake did not kill him like he said he was going to," a source close to Tyson told the Daily Mail.

Mike Tyson sees Jake Paul's fight as the end of his boxing career

The source added that Mike Tyson saw this fight as the definitive end of his boxing career.

"Mike looked at this as the end of his boxing career because it is. He is in rough shape and was slightly embarrassed, but he also knows that, despite his win claim, he lost," the source said.

In acknowledging his defeat, Tyson also viewed the financial gains as a victory.

"He is throwing in the towel. He was really hoping that he could end his career with a win but in the end, it was a win because he was paid millions," the source further revealed to the publication. 

"This is going right to his retirement fund," the source revealed Tyson is believed to have earned around $20 million from the match.

Mike Tyson cites health struggles following loss to Jake Paul

Following the match, Mike Tyson shared on X (formerly Twitter) that the fight was a win for him personally, given his health challenges.

"This is one of those situations when you lost but still won," he stated on X.

"I’m grateful for last night. No regrets to get in the ring one last time. I almost died in June. Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won," he added.

"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," he concluded.

Mike Tyson’s former trainer Jeff Fenech shares mixed feelings over his loss to Jake Paul

Mike Tyson’s former trainer Jeff Fenech expressed mixed feelings about the match.

He admitted to Nine News, "I had so many people ring me and so many people lost money because of me - I'm pretty embarrassed," GBN reported.

Fenech noted Tyson's efforts to inspire others, saying, "It may have been a terrible fight - but what he represented and what he was trying to do isn't just to show people he can fight, he's trying to show people that at 58 you can work hard."

He advised Tyson against further matches, citing health risks. "You don't have to do that again," Fenech pleaded.

"He's talking about being sick … but at 58 and working your body the way he did, it's very difficult to stay healthy," he added.

He said even though people say it was a "terrible fight" most people think "What a great job Mike Tyson did. For me, I'm so proud of how Mike has changed his life around and over 100 million people watched at home."