Mike Tyson’s lack of interest before the final showdown was clearly evident in the final press conference with Jake Paul; Tyson appeared completely disinterested in the proceedings.

While researching the answers, sports reporter Ariel Helwani came across succinct answers. The media was no better at getting detailed responses, and even Jake Paul’s attempts to provoke a response were met with a bland “I’m just ready.”

“I said everything I had to say,” Tyson later said. During Helwani’s set-up of the presser, Tyson barely spoke 21 words and remained tight-lipped throughout the 45-minute event.

Returning to the stage for the final showdown with Paul, Tyson quickly turned to exit the stage before being coaxed for the final photographs. It appeared that Tyson’s stance was determined, that he was “ready” and adamant that he “won’t lose”, but other than that he revealed little.

The burning question of whether Tyson is truly ready to face defeat is open to debate. The only certainty is his seeming indifference to hyping the clash scheduled for this Friday at AT&T Stadium.

Yet Tyson’s reputation precedes him. Once dubbed ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’, the display of his punching prowess on stage was enough to bring back memories of his terrifying knockout power.

But the harsh truth is that he has shown little sign of any interest in this fight beyond financial gain. Any notion that Tyson came out of retirement and tried to silence the YouTuber into making a statement against boxing traditionalists is now completely dispelled.

The last press conference was a dull affair, with no point getting any insight or enthusiasm from Tyson. Some might interpret his demeanor as intense concentration, but this is probably far from the actual situation.

It’s disheartening to see Tyson resort to this. He apparently hated everything that came with being on the front lines of the circus, but still felt he had to accept the riches he was offered.

He probably realizes this is damaging his reputation. Bruce Carrington, an up-and-coming Brooklyn-born undercard fighter, looked a little uncomfortable when he mimed one of his famous speeches on the other side of the stage.

He is aware that he is benefiting from past successes. But as long as it can still generate millions of dollars, why wouldn’t he take advantage?

There may be a belief that whatever he says will not significantly impact whether people will watch the fight. Viewers are either fascinated or repelled, there is no in between.

Jake Paul and MVP Promotions with broadcast partner netflixHe may have hoped that Mike Tyson would highlight the importance of his fights, but Tyson’s lack of enthusiasm is evident.

When asked about Tyson’s near-silent approach, Paul expressed frustration: “Man, there’s a lot of bullshit online about him going to kill me, but nothing in person. I don’t know, it’s pretty boring. It’s pretty boring.”

While some have interpreted this as part of Tyson’s intimidating image, the reality seems to align with Paul’s perspective. Tyson added little to the pre-fight excitement, making the event seem dull and calling into question the legitimacy of the bout as anything more than a lucrative payday.