“Hope He Can Knock This Fool Out” – Dale Earnhardt Jr. Left Disappointed by Mike Tyson After He Ruined His Childhood Fantasy

The expectations were high and social media was buzzing. After all, it's not every day that the legendary Mike Tyson returns to the boxing ring, only this time, he was taking on a Youtuber-turned-boxer, Jake Paul. The tensions were running high after the 58-year-old slapped his opponent during the weigh-in, and according to Netflix's statistics, an estimated 60 million households tuned in to watch the event. However, after eight rounds of action, the 27-year-old was crowned the winner by unanimous decision, much to the disappointment of 'Iron Mike' fans.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. was amongst those rooting for the veteran boxer's victory. Having grown up witnessing Mike Tyson in his prime, Junior was hopeful that 'Kid Dynamite' would be able to dominate the ring, as he has done so often in the past. However, the outcome of the match was far from satisfying for the veteran racing driver.

Mike Tyson failed to turn back the clock in Dallas Comebacks don't always work out as planned. When Mike Tyson announced his return to the boxing ring to take on an opponent half his age, the emotions within the boxing community were quite mixed. While some wanted to see 'The Baddest Man on the Planet' take the ring once again, others felt that at the age of 58, the boxer wouldn't be able to keep up with the physical demands of the sport. However, with millions on the line and social media buzzing with anticipation, the match went through, with Netflix also venturing into unchartered territory of sports streaming.

However, the outcome of the boxing match left a bitter taste in Dale Earnhardt Jr. 's mouth. Having witnessed Mike Tyson obliterate opponents in the past, Junior felt unsatisfied watching an iconic figure performing like a shadow of his former self. He said on the Dale Jr. Download podcast , "I live in a fantasy world where I thought damn Mike Tyson, I hope he can knock this fool out. It could have been my best friend in there, whoever Mike Tyson gets in the ring with, I want a knockout and a Tyson-style ending, because that's my childhood. We watched all those fights and saw him so dominant. Then I realized, I'm so foolish to have that pipe dream."

For all the hype and anticipation, the match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul was largely a one-sided affair. The 58-year-old appeared exhausted after just two rounds, throwing a total of 18 punches, in comparison to his opponents' 97. Ultimately, the former YouTuber won the match 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73, which resulted in a small dent in Tyson's boxing record, making it 50-7. However, given the circumstances, 'Kid Dynamite' will feel that going eight rounds against an opponent 31 years younger is a significant achievement in itself, even though fans such as Dale Earnhardt Jr. were left unsatisfied.

Moreover, Tyson has also had his fair share of health struggles, which have undoubtedly contributed to his lackluster performance in the ring. The veteran boxer was expected to take on Paul on 20th July, but an ulcer flare-up forced the match to be delayed. Revealing his health problems, Tyson said, "I almost died in June. Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs (11kg) in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight, so I won." All things considered, the 58-year-old walked away with $20 million after the match, while fans criticized the quality of the fight on social media. All things considered, did Mike Tyson lose?

Dale Earnhardt Jr. highlights the reasons that led to Tyson's defeat While Dale Jr. is no boxing expert, the veteran racing driver has a keen eye for details and an analytical mind after years of living in the fast lane. Despite the disappointing outcome of the fixture, the 50-year-old couldn't help but analyze what went wrong for 'Iron Mike', who was somewhat of a childhood hero for the racing driver.

Reflecting on where Mike Tyson struggled in the boxing match, Junior said on his podcast, "The guy is 60 years old, 58 to be exact. Honestly, he looked pretty damn good for a 58-year-old man to get in that ring and go at it. Obviously, his legs weren't as strong or his knees were a little bad, his knees were a little bad. He couldn't do what he wanted to do." The veteran racing driver went on to say, "His mind wanted him to do different things. Even to really kind of set up a punch, his legs really couldn't get himself into position for his upper body to accomplish what needed to happen."

Having come back to the ring after a 19-year hiatus is a feat in itself, one that is not lost on Mike Tyson's fans. Ultimately, age catches up on the most brilliant athletes as well and while 'Iron Mike' has hinted at retirement, he might be willing to return to the ring once again in the 'right circumstances'. Would fans prefer that he ride into the sunset gracefully and finally close the curtains on his illustrious career? Or do they want him to return to the ring once again, and end his boxing journey with a win? Let us know in the comments!