MIKE TYSON’S ex-coach has opened up on the boxing legend’s bizarre “biting fixation” which was on show against Jake Paul.
Tyson infamously sunk his teeth into Evander Holyfield’s ear in their 1997 rematch and got himself disqualified.
And sensationally over 27 years later and Tyson was up to his old tricks – this time with some restraint.
Throughout his controversial comeback bout against YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul – Tyson was seen chewing on his glove.
And his old amateur trainer Teddy Atlas revealed it has been something the heavyweight great has always done.
Atlas said on his YouTube channel: “That’s something he did in his amateur days, pro days, and now, of course, he’s done it again.
“For people that follow Mike Tyson and his career, they’ve seen it before.
“People were saying, ‘Tyson’s smart, he’s witty. He knows what to say and the importance of having that image’.
“It’s more like a pacifier. Look, everyone gets nervous, even Mike Tyson. Everyone gets doubtful, even Mike Tyson.
“Everyone gets scared, even Mike Tyson… You bite down on something. Why? To suppress those feelings. To suppress the doubts.
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.
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“To suppress the nervousness, the uneasiness, the insecurity… that’s what it is.”
Tyson, 58, returned after almost 20 YEARS away from professional boxing to face Paul, 27.
The fight was slammed amid the age gap but still over 100MILLION tuned in on Netflix while 72,000 were in attendance in Texas.
And Tyson addressed his constant chewing of his glove in the immediate aftermath of losing the eight-round bout on points.
He said: “I have a habit of biting my gloves when I fight. I have a biting fixation.”
