Video of Mike Tyson seemingly pulling his punches goes viral

Nov 28, 2020; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Mike Tyson (black trunks) exits the ring after his split draw against Roy Jones, Jr. (white trunks) during a heavyweight exhibition boxing bout for the WBC Frontline Belt at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Scarnici/Handout Photo via USA TODAY Sports

A snippet from Mike Tyson’s recent fight against Jake Paul is making the rounds on social media.

The 10-second clip posted on X shows Tyson appearing to hold back on a potential right hook just as Paul’s face was exposed. Tyson seemed to be setting up for a big right blow with a feint using his left hand. But when the opportunity (aka Paul’s exposed head) presented itself, he seemed to pull back. You be the judge.

Just incase anyone had doubts… pic.twitter.com/FCXmjg1dTD

— 🅿️®️🚫❌✌🏾 (@proxcee) November 19, 2024

Paul (11-1, 7 KOs) beat Tyson (50-7, 44 KOs) in their eight-round bout Friday to earn a unanimous decision win at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Two judges scored the fight 79-73 Paul, while the third gave Paul all eight rounds, 80-72.

Given that Tyson is 58 years old and a shell of his former self, perhaps he just did not have the hand speed to react like he once would have. But that probably won’t stop conspiracy theorists from peddling that the fix was in for a Paul victory.

It remains to be seen which fighter Paul will take on next. But one former UFC heavyweight champ has already taken himself out of the running.