Boxing legend Mike Tyson has gone down another twenty places in the ratings weeks after losing to Jake Paul on November 15.
After his seventh career defeat, Tyson entered the heavyweight rankings at 309th, the lowest of his illustrious career. Since then, Tyson had plummeted further to 329th.
Tyson is placed way down the pecking order of almost 1500 top-division punchers.
The New Yorker lost for the seventh time in his career against Jake Paul in Texas, the third straight reverse of his professional career. Tyson is rated 197 places below Paul, who entered the heavyweight ranks at 126 following a run at cruiserweight, but has since lost six places to 132. The YouTuber is seven places below the UK’s Dave Allen.
Fans of the legend will be irked by Tyson’s place. The one-time ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ sits below Romanian journeyman Ovidiu Enache and lower than also-rans Ivica Bacurin and Richard Lartey.
It’s sad when a boxing superstar is reduced to a number of that caliber for the sake of money, but that’s where the current climate stands. Luckily for Tyson, he is nine places above US rival Terrell Jamal Woods, who has lost 62 times in his pro career and is rated 338th.
According to BoxRec, there are currently 1542 registered heavyweights worldwide. The long-running website rates contenders using a stars-and-points algorithm.
Tyson was once ranked number one as he ripped through the glamor weight class in a frenzy between 1985 and 1986. He eventually became the youngest heavyweight champion ever before embarking on a four-year reign of terror that culminated in Tyson becoming the youngest undisputed champion into the bargain.
Buster Douglas ended his tenure at the top, and a comeback in the mid-1990s lifted the veil of invincibility further. Tyson eventually retired ten years later, having been knocked out six times.
After a twenty-year absence, Tyson returned to face Paul and lost via decision for the first time in his career. Whether Iron Mike will fight again is a matter of debate after conflicting statements during the aftermath of his Netflix comeback.
On one hand, Tyson said he could fight again. Then, a day later, Tyson stated he was ‘grateful to fight one last time.’ Predictions that another significant offer could entice the superstar remain on the table.
Friend Amer Abdallah exclusively told WBN, ” I had the honor of being with him for the Roy Jones Jr. card, and Badou fought just before Jake. Mike had fun in that fight. Maybe he’ll do exhibitions. It depends on what Mike wants to do. Mike does what he wants.”
“He’s a living legend today. Whatever he’ll do, people will follow.”
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Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.