Joe Rogan has discussed the apprehensions he had before Mike Tyson fought Jake Paul earlier this month.
The podcaster, who is also a commentator for the mixed-martial arts organization Ultimate Fighting Championship, discussed the widely publicized bout on a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience.
On November 15, Tyson, 58, lost by unanimous decision to Paul, 27, a YouTuber turned boxer. The event, which took place in Arlington, Texas, was livestreamed on Netflix, with 60 million households tuning in to watch the match.
On his podcast, Rogan told his guest, the actor Josh Brolin: "I'm happy Mike got the money, and I'm happy that he didn't get hurt. That was my fear—that it was gonna be a real fight, and he was gonna get hurt."
Rogan, 57, said of the former heavyweight champion: "I love that dude, and he was a larger-than-life figure in my childhood. When I was a kid, when he was a champ, it was like—people don't understand what a champ he was."
Rogan and Brolin also discussed the fees both men received for the boxing match, with the host commenting, "It's amazing they got paid so much money."
Fortune reported that Paul received $40 million for the fight, while the older boxer received $20 million.
Despite his loss, the boxing legend celebrated being able to compete at all, as he almost died a few months before the fight. Tyson and Paul were originally scheduled to meet in the ring on July 20, but the fight was rescheduled after Tyson suffered a medical emergency.
"I want to thank my fans around the world for their support and understanding during this time. Unfortunately, due to my ulcer flare-up, I have been advised by my doctor to lighten my training for a few weeks to rest and recover. My body is in better overall shape than it has been since the 1990s and I will be back to my full training schedule soon," Tyson said at the time.
After the fight, Tyson wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "This is one of those situations when you lost but still won. 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."
Tyson added: "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."
English (US) ·