Tony Bellew spotted a “huge” detail during Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson which could have influenced the outcome of the fight.
Paul recorded a comfortable unanimous decision victory over former undisputed heavyweight champion Tyson at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday night.
All three judges scored the eight-round heavyweight contest in Paul‘s favour, with the YouTuber-turned-boxer winning 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73 on their scorecards.
In total, Tyson landed 18 punches across the 16-minute contest, while Paul connected with 78.
Millions watched the event on streaming service Netflix, including former WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew, who sparked a conversation around Tyson’s gloves.
“The gloves Mike has on are looking heavily padded while Jake has on Grants which are full on punchers gloves,” Bellew wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “There is a huge difference in them gloves and I’m only watching from a bed.”
Ahead of the event, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) laid down three major conditions for the sanctioned fight, including the decision for both men to wear 14oz gloves instead of the standard 10oz gloves worn in a heavyweight fight.
Contrary to popular belief, heavier gloves do not hit harder. They actually have the opposite effect, which is why they are almost exclusively worn during sparring sessions.
Bellew would later share his theory on why Tyson was biting on his glove throughout the contest against Paul.
“He’s biting his glove cos he’s in pain,” the 41-year-old said. “I’m in the third round and this is killing me to watch it. He’s in pain and exhausted.”
Belliew added: “WE are all to blame for this man. We are all talking and watching. We have to stop this fool. Don’t tune into him until he fights someone who is fit healthy and not a grandfather. Any proper boxing people helping Paul need to look at themselves ffs!! This is just sad.”
Paul comfortably beat Tyson (Image: Getty)
After the fight, Paul admitted that he intentionally held off in the closing rounds out of respect for Tyson, ignoring an instruction from his corner to finish the veteran off.
Bellew commended the YouTube personality for doing so.
He said: “I don’t like this stupid idiot kid but I will say this. He stopped beating on Mike there and showed him some respect and dignity by letting him survive. He didn’t go for the KO there he stepped off him and let him be.”
“Mike we all adore you king your a superhero to all of us from the proper fight business.”
In his post-fight interview, Tyson revealed his intention to continue boxing, and even called out Jake’s older brother Logan, who was stood in the ring.
“You got more in you, who crosses the mind?” Tyson was asked, to which he replied: “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe his brother” – pointing at Logan.
Logan then commented: “Well f***, I’ll kill you Mike.”
Jake Paul bows towards Mike Tyson in the final seconds of their fight (Image: Netflix)
Logan Paul was criticised by many on social media for his comments towards Tyson.
Bellew also chipped in, saying: “Why be so disrespectful Logan Paul? ‘I’d kill you’ do these idiots understand what the real Mike Tyson would do to them. He’d beat them so bad they would beg for him to stop. Saying you’d kill a grandfather is tough isn’t it.”
