JAKE PAUL claims he deliberately avoided knocking out Mike Tyson in their highly-anticipated bout.
The 58-year-old boxing icon lost on points but went the full eight rounds against the influencer-turned-boxer 31 years his junior.
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Tyson started the on the front foot before seemingly beginning to tire and fall away from round three onwards.
By the final round, few punches were thrown and stats show Paul landed just 78 across the fight.
Tyson scored even fewer, connecting with his rival just 18 times.
Asked about not going for the knockout blow, Paul said in his press conference: “There was a point where I was like he is not really engaging back.
“So I don’t know if he is tired. I can just tell his age was showing a little bit.
“I just have so much respect for him and that war thing between us after he slapped me, I wanted to be aggressive, take him down and knock him out.
“But that kind of went away as the rounds went on.
“I wanted to give the fans a show, but I didn’t want to hurt someone that didn’t need to be hurt.”
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Holding back on the killer shot annoyed fans, with some calling it the “worst fight ever” and “con of the century”.
To make matters worse for viewers, many had problems watching the contest as Netflix’s live stream was hit by technical difficulties like buffering and sound issues.
One of the fight’s biggest critics was promoter Eddie Hearn.
He said: “I didn’t really watch it, I was in Katie Taylor‘s changing room.
“I watched the first 30 seconds which were quite entertaining.
“After that it was horrible to watch. It was hard to watch and it was always going to be like that.
“Mike came out like a raging bull, but after that he was gassed.
“Mike’s a legend and he showed a load of heart, but you just don’t need to see it.”
Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson round-by-round
MIKE TYSON’s long-awaited return to the ring didn’t have the fairytale ending fight fans dreamed of.
SunSport’s boxing expert Wally Downes Jr recaps one of the drabbest and most forgettable nights in boxing history.
And he didn’t hold back, issuing a scathing assessment of social media sensation Jake Paul.
Round One
Paul says “I love you, Mike” just before the opening bell sounds. He quickly runs away and holds the boxing legend.
Tyson draws a big reaction from the crowd as he lands a jab and a good right hand.
Verdict: 10-9 Tyson
Round Two
Paul ran away in the opener and held – just like we thought he would.
Tommy Fury had it first and now Mike Tyson. It’s clever because Tyson will tire. Paul tags Tyson’s body with a straight right.
Tyson looks spent now. 180 seconds in and the fight looks over.
Verdict: 10-9 Tyson
Round Three
The legend cannot even keep his gumshield in. As expected it’s a waste of time. Paul has run away until the 58-year-old has tired.
Shooting ducks in a barrel now. Tyson might get hurt here. Paul lands a couple of clumsy shots and Tyson wobbles backwards.
Tragic after three.
Verdict: 10-9 Paul
Round Four
This is proper rubbish. The crowd are bored and boos are being heard.
This is just two tired big lumps going at it. One a legend, one a promoter.
Verdict 10-9 Paul
Round Five
Paul jabs the body and aims right for the head and another one-two clips the icon.
Tyson cannot keep his mouthpiece in, he is gasping for air. Paul lands a left hook but then so does Tyson.
Verdict 10-9 Paul
Round Six
Thank God these weren’t three-minute rounds. We are getting about four punches per round.
Tyson is gasping in the air but replays show a left hook did graze Paul’s beard.
Verdict 10-9 Paul
Round Seven
Tyson slips a jab and tries an uppercut. The commentator admits it has been a “sad” spectacle.
The AT&T stadium has been utterly stunk out. Paul is looking just as tired as Tyson.
Verdict 10-9 Paul
Round Eight
Go back to YouTube, Jake. You’re an excellent conman. But you’ve never been a boxer.
The Judges decide: 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73. I’m glad Tyson gets paid and has stayed safe.
But what a laughable performance from Paul to add to his stinker with Tommy Fury.
Verdict 10-9 Paul
SunSport’s final scorecard – 78-74 for Jake Paul
Click to read the full round-by-round breakdown.
