Mike Tyson’s former trainer ’embarrassed’ after boxing icon lost ‘terrible fight’ against Jake Paul
Mike Tyson’s former trainer, Jeff Fenech, has admitted he’s ’embarrassed’ after the boxing icon lost to Jake Paul in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Iron Mike returned to the ring for his first professional boxing match since his defeat to Kevin McBride in 2005.
But Tyson gassed out after two rounds, with Paul dominating proceedings to add another victory to his collection.
Fans tuning in had hoped to see Tyson roll back the years and produce the magic that once made him the most-feared man on the planet.
Instead, it was abundantly clear that the veteran couldn’t compete with a man 31 years his junior.
Fenech, in the build-up to the fight, had been backing his former pupil to reign supreme.
However, speaking to Nine’s Today following the clash, he’s now admitted he was ’embarrassed’ – while also dubbing the showdown ‘terrible’.
“Yeah I was [surprised],” he said when asked for his verdict.
“I had so many people ring me and so many people lost money because of me – I’m pretty embarrassed.
“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’s changed his whole life around and I think that’s what it’s about.
“The rest of the stuff far outweighs the fight.”
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While Tyson was beaten, Fenech does insist he’s proud of his former student.
After all, it was still a stunning achievement to return to the ring at the age of 58 – especially given how Paul is 27.
In the aftermath of the contest, Tyson didn’t close the door on retirement.
He admitted he was unsure if his clash with Paul was his last bout and revealed he was interested in going up against Logan Paul.
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Yet Fenech feels now would be the right time for the veteran to call it a day and hang up his gloves for good.
“My advice would be that you don’t have to do that again,” he said.
“He’s talking about being sick … but at 58 and working your body the way he did, it’s very difficult to stay healthy. Sometimes you overdo it and burn your engine out.
“For me, I’m so proud of how Mike has changed his life around and over 100 million people watched at home.
“Although all us fight people can say what a terrible fight that was, most people think what a great job Mike Tyson did.”
Both Paul and Tyson have been suspended due to mandatory rules following their fight at the AT&T Stadium.
Whether Tyson heeds the words of his old trainer remains to be seen.