Why Tyson Lost, A Theory

I sat down at 7:57pm, opened Netflix, and eagerly awaited the three minute countdown leading up to Jake Paul v. Mike Tyson. A few moments later I (not a usual sports viewer) groaned in frustration as they announced that there were three fights that would open the night and the main event would start around midnight.

Having made it this far and genuinely wanting to see how this globally anticipated fight played out, I decided to stay tuned. After a clumsy victory for an actor in RRR (one of my favorite movies) and a viciously impressive fight between two Mexican-American men, I fell asleep on the couch.

I woke up in time for the main fighters' intros - Paul cruising with his entourage in a low rider at even lower speed and Tyson walking out stoic and alone.

Finally. I'm not a betting man, but refusing to believe the fight was rigged, I cheered on Tyson - a veteran titan in his profession.

After 8 horrifically boring rounds, my disappointment sent me to bed. Not because Tyson lost, but because all the hype fell flat. Even if it was rigged, I would've at least hoped to see some big controversy like a KO or another ear bite come out of all this.

The next morning, I wondered why Iron Mike lost (still choosing to believe it wasn't a rigged fight because I like to keep some ✨ magic ✨ alive in my life).

Then I remembered this clip from Mike's podcast episode with William Shatner:

Sure, Tyson's nearing his 60s. No matter how legendary you are, aging takes some kind of toll. And Jake Paul (27), to his credit, did train passionately for this fight.

But Tyson speaks to something in that clip that might clue us into something more than just biologically degradation - something more internal, yet just as significant.

In his heyday, Mike was known as "the baddest man on the planet." But in his conversation with Shatner, we hear the "baddest man's" very genuine and vulnerable take on the toll it took to become just that.

It almost sounds like a Jekyll and Hyde situation. Bruce Banner and the Hulk.

While Tyson's age wears down his body, I can't help but wonder if it also loosens the tyrannous grip of his violent ego - the jealous and guilt (and I'd guess pride and fury as well) that he refers to in that clip.

I like to think that had Tyson not done this healing work (either actively or passively via aging), we would've seen a far more exciting fight. The "baddest man on the planet" would've reared his head and furiously transported us (and Jake) back to the 80s. It would've been the fight I and many others were hoping to see.

But it wasn't.

I wonder how Mike feels about the disappointment his supporters are feeling. The cynical part of me says he made too much money to care. But a more hopeful part says that he recognizes that the cost of healing can often be negative responses from others.

The cost of healing can often be negative responses from others.

This friction is what often stops people in their tracks as they venture toward a healthier self. Suddenly their refusal to judge, give into pressure, and be who everyone expects them to be brings about disorder. And, for those of us who are conflict-avoidant, that's tough to step into willingly.

I like to imagine a world where, although millions of fans are let down, Mike went into this fight without crying because he was able to maintain his genuine self. He now leads his ego rather than it leading him.

Thats a win, even if the fight itself was a boring loss.

Disclaimer:

These thoughts are presented with curiosity, wonder, and a sense of discovery.

There is so much scholarly material around religion, history, sociology, and psychology (realms I spend much of my time in). While that is immensely valuable and should be consulted when lives are at stake, I'd never produce anything if I required myself to scour these depths before voicing my thoughts which I believe to contain value and worth.

As such, it would not surprise me if my conclusions change in the future. And I hope it doesn't surprise you. That change of mind could come tomorrow, or it could come years from now. Curiosity isn't concrete. Trying to make it so robs it of its strength and beauty. As you read, I hope you will remember this - on my behalf and on yours.