Jake Paul is once again making headlines, this time due to controversial remarks he made about his fight with boxing legend Mike Tyson. During a live stream with Adin Ross, Paul appeared to suggest that Tyson had Parkinson’s disease prior to their bout, a statement that quickly ignited speculation and confusion among fans and the media.
Paul, who won the fight against Tyson by unanimous decision in November 2024, was discussing the impact of psychedelic substances when he made the claim. He stated, “Toad is what cured Mike Tyson’s Parkinson’s… no, sorry, toad cured Tyson’s Parkinson’s so he could come back and fight.” Adin Ross, visibly taken aback, responded, “What the f***? So he licked a toad?” Paul then attempted to clarify, explaining that it involves smoking the substance rather than licking it.
The clip of this exchange spread rapidly on social media, prompting Paul to address the backlash on the platform X. He clarified, “Bruh… Mike Tyson didn’t have no Parkinson’s… WTF. Why the f*** is the internet so stupid for. I misspoke. Meant he used toad to heal his pain. He has spoken about it many times. Just like I do. Just like many do.”
Tyson, who was 58 at the time of the fight, made a notable return to professional boxing, his first since 2005. Their fight was originally scheduled for July but was postponed due to medical concerns. Tyson has openly discussed his use of psychedelic substances, particularly 5-MeO-DMT, commonly referred to as “Toad Venom.” He has credited these experiences with helping him regain his fighting mindset and lose weight ahead of his 2020 exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr.
In a previous appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, Tyson elaborated on his experiences with toad venom, stating, “I did this toad, this DMT stuff, and I lost that weight. I don’t know what happened. I just said, ‘I’m going to do this.’ The toad said, ‘You gotta do this.’” This substance, derived from the secretions of the Sonoran Desert toad, has gained popularity in the U.S. for its psychoactive effects, which can induce a powerful but brief altered state of consciousness.
While Jake Paul’s comments have sparked a mix of confusion and controversy, Mike Tyson’s history with psychedelics has been well-documented, with many claiming that such substances have led to transformative experiences. Tyson’s openness about his drug use contrasts sharply with the stigma often associated with such practices, as he discusses the profound impact they have had on his life and career.
The fallout from Paul’s statements highlights the complexities surrounding discussions of mental health and substance use, especially in the context of high-profile athletes. As the conversation evolves, it remains essential to approach such topics with care and understanding, recognizing the potential implications of public statements.
With the boxing world still buzzing from the implications of this exchange, both Jake Paul and Mike Tyson continue to be prominent figures in a sport that is often as much about spectacle as it is about competition. As these narratives unfold, fans and followers of boxing will be watching closely to see how both personalities navigate the aftermath of this latest controversy.
