In a recent and much-talked-about boxing match, 27-year-old Jake Paul emerged victorious against the veteran Mike Tyson, aged 58. The Netflix-streamed event saw Paul win by unanimous decision, out-punching Tyson significantly. Viewers noted Tyson’s diminished speed and agility, signs of his age catching up to him in the ring. However, alongside these observations, many eagle-eyed fans noticed a recurring and peculiar habit of Tyson’s: he was frequently biting his glove.
This glove-biting behavior isn’t a new phenomenon for the boxing icon. While it might seem strange to some, it’s a characteristic tic that Tyson has displayed before. Let’s delve into why Mike Tyson bites his glove and explore the possible reasons behind this unusual ring-side action.
A History of Glove Biting: Tyson’s 2020 Exhibition Match
For those unfamiliar with this Mike Tyson quirk, evidence of his glove-biting predates the Jake Paul fight. Looking back to his exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. in November 2020, video footage clearly shows Tyson engaging in the same behavior.
During this match, similar to the Paul fight, Tyson can be observed biting his left glove. This repetition confirms that this isn’t a one-off action but rather a consistent habit in the ring.
Decoding the Bite: Reasons Behind Tyson’s Glove Habit
The question remains: Why Does Mike Tyson Bite His Glove? One practical explanation could be related to his mouthguard. Boxers wear mouthguards to protect their teeth and jaw, and it’s crucial for them to stay securely in place during a fight. It’s possible Tyson bites his glove to subtly adjust or ensure his mouthguard remains fitted correctly.
However, Mike Tyson himself offered a more humorous and perhaps more telling explanation when questioned by Ariel Helwani after the Jake Paul fight. When asked about the glove-biting, Tyson jokingly referenced his infamous 1997 incident where he bit Evander Holyfield’s ear during their rematch.
“Maybe I bite better than I did then,” Tyson quipped, drawing laughter from those around him. This humorous response, while lighthearted, might contain a grain of truth. Tyson suggested that in the heat of the moment, fighters sometimes act impulsively without fully realizing their actions. It’s plausible that Tyson’s glove-biting is simply a nervous tick or a subconscious habit that surfaces under the intense pressure of a boxing match. Just as he jokingly linked it to biting ears, the act could stem from a similar impulsive, perhaps even primal, urge.
Netflix Streaming Issues During the Tyson Fight
While the focus remains on Tyson’s in-ring antics, it’s worth briefly noting that the Netflix broadcast of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight was not without its problems. Viewers reported buffering issues and interruptions during the live stream, particularly during the undercard fight between Neeraj Goyat and Whindersson Nunes. Some users were even logged out of their accounts during crucial moments of the fights.
These streaming problems were also noted during the main event analysis, causing frustration for many viewers who were eager to watch the highly anticipated match. While Netflix has yet to officially address these issues, reports on Down Detector indicated widespread user complaints about the stream’s stability.
Fight Purse and Fighter Earnings: Paul vs. Tyson
Beyond the glove-biting and streaming glitches, the financial aspects of the Paul vs. Tyson fight are also noteworthy. The estimated fight purse for the event is around $80 million. Jake Paul is projected to earn approximately half of this amount for his participation.
Mike Tyson, despite being the more legendary name, is expected to earn around $20 million. This difference in earnings could be attributed to Jake Paul’s promotional company’s involvement in organizing the event with Netflix.
Conclusion: The Mystery of the Bitten Glove
In conclusion, Mike Tyson’s habit of biting his glove remains a quirky and somewhat enigmatic aspect of his boxing persona. While a practical reason like mouthguard adjustment is possible, Tyson’s own humorous explanation, linking it to his infamous ear-biting incident, suggests a more psychological or impulsive root. Whether a nervous tick, a subconscious habit, or simply a joke referencing his past, the glove-biting adds another layer to the complex and captivating character of Mike Tyson, both inside and outside the boxing ring.
