Tyson and Paul Reunite at ESPYs, Tyson Asks ‘Shohei’s a Guy?’

Mike Tyson had the Dolby Theatre roaring when he leaned toward Jake Paul and whispered a question that was anything but quiet. While presenting the ESPY for Best Single-Game Performance, the former heavyweight champion apparently believed the microphones were dead. He asked Paul, “Shohei’s a guy?”—referring to winner Shohei Ohtani—and the trio, including DJ Khaled, cracked up before exiting the stage.

The moment capped a night of reunion for Tyson and Paul, who last shared a ring in 2024 for a Netflix-streamed spectacle that drew tens of millions of viewers. At the ESPYs, they handed out hardware alongside Khaled, but Tyson’s comedic timing turned a routine award presentation into a viral clip. Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar, was absent, so Paul read a statement thanking ESPN and voters. As soon as the reading ended, Tyson’s off-mic inquiry stole the spotlight.

Tyson and Paul Back Together at Sports’ Biggest Ceremony

This was the first public joint appearance for the two since their boxing match. Tyson also walked the red carpet earlier in the evening and coached SNL’s Marcello Hernandez through a boxing skit, showing he was in a playful mood. The ESPYs, held in New York City, honor the year’s top athletic achievements, but Tyson’s natural showmanship often overshadows the awards themselves.

When the moment came to announce Ohtani’s win, Tyson delivered a deadpan pronunciation of the name—then immediately undercut it with his now-famous question. Paul confirmed that Ohtani is indeed a man, and the three walked off laughing. The clip spread across social media within minutes, reminding everyone that Tyson remains one of the most unpredictable personalities in sports.

How the Viral Exchange Unfolded

After Paul stated that Ohtani could not attend but sent his gratitude, Tyson, thinking the cameras were off, turned to his co-presenter. His question was simple, direct, and hilarious. Paul’s affirmative answer, followed by shared laughter from Khaled, made the sequence feel spontaneous and genuine. It was a classic Tyson moment—unrehearsed and disarming.

• Tyson and Paul fought in a 2024 Netflix event that broke streaming records globally.
• The ESPYs took place at the Dolby Theatre in New York City, not Los Angeles.
• Tyson participated in a comedy boxing sketch with SNL’s Marcello Hernandez on the red carpet.
• The heavyweight legend is currently preparing for an exhibition bout against Floyd Mayweather later this year.

What This Appearance Means for Tyson’s Next Chapter

Tyson’s ESPYs performance is the latest in a series of public engagements as he builds hype for the Mayweather exhibition. At 58, he still commands attention with a mix of nostalgia and unpredictability. The reunion with Paul also fuels speculation about a potential rematch, though no official talks have been reported. For Paul, sharing the stage with a legend reinforces his own boxing narrative.

The Mayweather exhibition is expected to draw massive pay-per-view interest. If Tyson’s humor and charisma at the ESPYs are any guide, the promotion for that fight will be entertaining. The off-mic moment with Paul may become a staple of Tyson’s pre-fight media tour, giving fans a taste of the personality that made him a global icon. Below is a breakdown of the key moments from the night.

Tyson’s next scheduled public appearance is a press conference for the Mayweather exhibition later this summer. If his ESPYs showing is any indicator, the buildup will be anything but dull.