In a rare and candid moment, boxing legend Evander Holyfield has weighed in on Mike Tyson’s much-anticipated exhibition match against Jake Paul, offering a brutally honest and succinct critique that has fans buzzing. In just five words, Holyfield perfectly summed up what many observers were thinking: “Mike Tyson wasn’t the same.”

Holyfield, who has a storied history with Tyson—most famously for their 1997 bout, where Tyson bit Holyfield’s ear—didn’t mince words when it came to analyzing Tyson’s performance against the YouTuber-turned-boxer, Jake Paul. Despite Tyson’s legendary status in the ring, Holyfield’s assessment was a clear reflection of what many boxing fans had already suspected: Tyson, at 56 years old, was no longer the fighter he once was.

Holyfield’s five-word comment has sparked a firestorm of reactions online, with many fans agreeing that Tyson appeared slower, less agile, and not at the top of his game. The criticism comes after Tyson’s highly publicized return to the ring in a bout against Jake Paul’s camp, which many had hoped would showcase Tyson’s legendary power and skill. However, the fight ended up being less of a spectacle and more of a reminder of the physical toll age can take on even the greatest of fighters.

When Tyson announced his comeback to the boxing ring for an exhibition match, fans were excited to see the former heavyweight champion return to action. However, doubts lingered about his ability to perform at the level he did in his prime. The exhibition match against Jake Paul was supposed to be a celebration of Tyson’s legacy, but it raised concerns about the fighter’s readiness to face a younger, more active opponent.

Tyson, who had been out of the professional boxing spotlight for years, showed flashes of his old self during training and in promotional videos. However, his performance on the night of the fight painted a different picture. Many spectators noted that Tyson’s reflexes were slower, his punches lacked the ferocity they once did, and his movement in the ring was far less fluid than during his prime.

Jake Paul, who has risen to fame for his antics and controversial fights, was seen as a highly unlikely opponent for Tyson. While Paul may not have the same boxing pedigree, his rapid rise in the sport and his natural athleticism posed a unique challenge for Tyson, who had been away from competitive boxing for over a decade.

While the fight itself was an exhibition, Paul’s presence in the ring against a legend like Tyson brought a fresh, modern twist to the event. Paul was quick, strategic, and seemed to have more energy throughout the match, taking advantage of Tyson’s slower pace. The social media star’s ability to withstand Tyson’s power punches and continue to stay composed throughout the fight only highlighted the challenges Tyson faced due to age.

Evander Holyfield’s five-word summary, while harsh, highlights more than just Tyson’s physical decline. Holyfield, who faced Tyson multiple times and was famously on the receiving end of the “ear-biting” incident in 1997, knows Tyson better than most. His comment not only refers to Tyson’s age but perhaps to the psychological and emotional changes that come with stepping back into the ring after years of absence.

In Holyfield’s view, Tyson may not have been able to tap into the raw aggression and hunger that characterized his younger years. After all, Tyson’s career was built on a fearsome persona—a fighter who struck fear into his opponents. But as Tyson steps into the ring years later, the question remains: Can a fighter’s mind and heart still maintain that same ferocity when the body no longer responds the way it used to?

Fans around the world have chimed in on Holyfield’s assessment, with many agreeing that Tyson’s performance was a far cry from the dominance he once displayed. “It’s sad to see,” said one fan on Twitter, “but Mike Tyson is just not the same. The power, the speed, the intensity—it’s all gone. Holyfield hit the nail on the head.”

Others were more empathetic, acknowledging that age takes its toll on any athlete. “Tyson’s heart is still there, but his body just can’t keep up anymore. It happens to the best of us,” another fan commented. “It’s tough to watch, but it’s still Mike Tyson, and his legacy is secure.”

While Tyson’s performance against Jake Paul may have been disappointing to some, it doesn’t change the fact that he remains one of the greatest boxers in history. His impact on the sport is undeniable, and his legacy as a fearsome heavyweight champion is etched in history. Tyson’s achievements in the ring, including his reign as the youngest-ever heavyweight champion, his legendary knockout power, and his dominance in the late ’80s, ensure that his name will never be forgotten.

In many ways, Holyfield’s five-word assessment is a reflection of Tyson’s current reality: The man who once ruled the ring with unrivaled power and speed is no longer the same, and no exhibition match will change that. But it also doesn’t diminish the respect he commands as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Evander Holyfield’s succinct analysis of Mike Tyson’s performance against Jake Paul may have summed it all up in five words, but the truth of Tyson’s return to the ring is far more complex. Tyson, at 56, may not be the same fighter who dominated the boxing world in his prime, but his place in the annals of boxing history is secure. The fight with Jake Paul may have highlighted his physical limitations, but it also served as a reminder that legends—no matter how much time passes—will always be remembered for the greatness they achieved in their prime.

As the boxing world continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: Mike Tyson’s legacy is untouchable, and despite the physical challenges that come with age, he will always be regarded as one of the most iconic figures the sport has ever seen.