Mike Tyson’s Ex-Trainer Admits Embarrassment Following Jake Paul Defeat

Mike Tyson’s return to the ring took an unexpected turn as the boxing icon faced off against 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-fighter Jake Paul at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on November 15. The match, streamed live on Netflix, ended with a loss for the 58-year-old legend, leaving his former trainer Jeff Fenech “embarrassed” but ultimately proud of Tyson’s determination.

“Yeah, I was [surprised],” Fenech confessed during an appearance on Nine’s Today show on Sunday, November 17. “I had so many people ring me and so many people lost money because of me — I’m pretty embarrassed.” Despite the shock, the Australian boxing legend didn’t hold back in praising Tyson, emphasizing that the fight meant more than just a win or loss.

“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,” Fenech said. “He’s changed his whole life around and I think that’s what it’s about.”

Fenech, who previously trained Tyson during his 2005 bout against Kevin McBride and his 2020 comeback match with Roy Jones Jr., shared some tough love following the defeat. “My advice would be that you don’t have to do that again,” he told Today, suggesting Tyson hang up the gloves for good this time.

The journey to this fight wasn’t easy for Tyson. A severe medical emergency in May during a flight from Miami to Los Angeles, attributed to an ulcer flare-up, postponed the original match date from July to November. “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,” Fenech added.

Despite the outcome, Tyson himself saw victory in his perseverance. “This is one of those situations when you lost but still won. I’m grateful for last night. No regrets to get in the ring one last time,” Tyson shared via X on November 16. “I almost died in June. Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won.”

Even though it wasn’t the fairy tale ending many hoped for, Tyson’s journey back to the ring proved that the fighter’s spirit still burns brightly, even at 58.