Mike Tyson’s former trainer Jeff Fenech said his phone was ringing constantly after he told “so many” people to bet Tyson to defeat Jake Paul in their fight Friday.
The highly anticipated showdown fell flat with Paul, 27, defeating Tyson, 58, by unanimous decision in an eight-round heavyweight bout at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
“Yeah I was [surprised],” Fenech, an Australian boxing legend, said in an interview with Australia Nine’s “Today.”
“I had so many people ring me and so many people lost money because of me. I’m pretty embarrassed.”
Fenech trained Tyson for multiple fights, including his loss to Kevin McBride in 2005, which was followed by Tyson retiring from the sport with a record of 50-6.
Despite Friday’s defeat, Fenech said he feels that Tyson came out victorious.
“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. The rest of the stuff far outweighs the fight.”
Prior to the fight, Fenech predicted Tyson could’ve had the quickest victory of his career if he went about it the right way.
Fenech said he spoke with Tyson multiple times since his loss to Paul, and that the former heavyweight world champ still wants to compete again.
However, he advised against it.
“My advice would be that you don’t have to do that again,” Fenech said.
“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.
“For me, I’m so proud of how Mike has changed his life around and over 100 million people watched at home. Although all us fight people can say what a terrible fight that was, most people think what a great job Mike Tyson did.”
Tyson dealt with a number of health issues leading up to the fight, including an ulcer flare-up, which forced them to postpone the fight. It was initially scheduled for July 20.
After the fight, Tyson revealed he almost died in June.
“This is one of those situations when you lost but still won,” he wrote on X. “I’m grateful for last night. No regrets to get in ring one last time. 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. To have my children see me stand toe to toe and finish 8 rounds with a talented fighter half my age in front of a packed Dallas Cowboy stadium is an experience that no man has the right to ask for. Thank you.”
Netlfix announced Saturday that 60 million people tuned in for the Tyson-Paul fight.
