Mike Tyson and wife ‘in agreement’ as boxer’s son speaks out on ‘lies’ going around
Mike Tyson doesn’t look likely to fight again after his loss to Jake Paul, according to his son, Amir.
The 58-year-old former heavyweight world champion stepped into the squared circle against YouTuber-turned-pugilist Paul, 27, on November 15 in a blockbuster showdown streamed on Netflix – losing via unanimous decision after eight lacklustre rounds. It was Tyson’s first professional bout in almost 20 years after he initially hung his gloves up following a 2005 loss to Kevin McBride.
Paul, meanwhile, headed into the fight with a 10-1 record and a wealth of momentum behind him, having defeated UFC stars like Nate Diaz, Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva since making his professional debut in 2020. Tyson lacked the speed and raw aggression from his heyday when he entered the ring at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and was picked apart by a far younger and fitter Paul with ease.
Many fans have since shared hopes that Tyson is finished with boxing for good after his most recent efforts, and his son Amir seems to have all but confirmed that such is the case. Amir told ESNews: “He’s just been in his zone, staying to himself.
“He’s real good. He’s not handling it bad. He knocked out Netflix and it was all because of him pretty much. It was a historic night. Everybody involved got paid and it was a good night.” As for the future of his boxing career, Amir told Seconds Out: “I think he’s done.
“My stepmom [Lakiha Spicer], she’s saying he’s done and they’re a team. That’s husband-and-wife stuff.” Lahika Spicer was initially introduced to Mike by Don King in 1998 following a fight, with the pair exchanging vows in June 2009 and welcoming two children of their own, Milan and Morocco Elijah.
Tyson has previously spoken about the importance of the love of his life, explaining how she thinks for him and without her he would be a “wild animal”. In a candid chat with rapper T.I., the boxer admitted: “I’m a soldier. I can’t think for myself. I need someone to do it… I know myself. Without my wife, I’m a wild animal.”
Elsewhere in his chat with Seconds Out, Amir quashed any rumours that his father’s fight with Paul was rigged, explaining: “Some people are on that bogus ‘Oh, it’s rigged’. We know it wasn’t rigged. He just got tired. Jake would move out the way. It looked like he pulled his punches back but Jake’s moving. It’s not like the pads, he’s moving.
“When someone doesn’t want to accept that someone lost, when it doesn’t go that way of course, they’re gonna pull that. And that’s what they’re putting on the internet. His gas tank after the third round was just shot. That’s all it was. He just kept on staying throughout. He did his best. No holding back, he did the best he could at his age.”
Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions also cleared up any alleged foul play shortly after the bout, with co-founder Nakisa Bidarian writing in a statement: “This is not the first time Jake Paul has faced unfounded skepticism or outright disbelief as a professional athlete, and frankly, the claim that his bout must have been rigged is just the latest backhanded compliment to come his way.
“From day one in this sport, people have doubted his abilities – unable to reconcile how someone with his background has accomplished so much in such a short time. Jake has not only proven himself repeatedly, but he has continuously set historic records that speak for themselves.
“This event, which broke attendance and viewership milestones for a professional sporting event, is yet another example of his ability to deliver on the biggest stage. As long as Jake continues to exceed expectations, there will always be those who try to discredit his achievements. We embrace the doubt – it only fuels Jake to work harder and achieve greater success.”
