Jake Paul triumphed over a sluggish and out-of-shape Mike Tyson, 58, in an underwhelming eight-round bout at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The fight, which had raised eyebrows for pitting a novice boxer against a veteran well past his prime, ended with Paul winning on points in a one-sided contest.
Paul Takes Command in the Ring
The judges scored the fight 80-72 and 79-73 (twice), all in favor of Paul, who at 27 is significantly younger and more athletic than Tyson, who had not fought professionally in 19 years. Paul, a social media star turned boxer, controlled the action with his superior jab and ring movement. Tyson, once considered one of the most feared heavyweights in boxing history, struggled to land meaningful punches, finishing with only 18 successful strikes compared to Paul’s 78.
The bout was a stark reminder of Tyson’s age, as his sluggishness and lack of stamina were evident throughout the fight. Paul, who wore expensive custom shorts, took full advantage, landing clean shots and even wobbling Tyson in the third round with a left hook. Tyson, who wore a knee brace, seemed incapable of closing the distance or launching a meaningful offensive, while Paul continued to pepper him with jabs and hooks.
A Controversial Clash
Despite Tyson’s hero’s welcome before the fight, the energy in the arena quickly shifted to dismay as the fight progressed, with many fans voicing their dissatisfaction with the lack of competitive action. Some left before the final bell, and by the seventh round, it was clear that Tyson, who had been knocked out in his last bout in 2005, was struggling to stay afloat against a younger, fresher opponent.
In an awkward post-fight moment, Tyson, after suffering his seventh professional loss, called out Paul’s brother, Logan, and suggested he might consider fighting again. The fight, which had been surrounded by questions about its legitimacy, was sanctioned as a professional contest despite both fighters wearing heavier gloves with extra padding. However, the result was anything but competitive, with the consensus being that the bout was more of a spectacle than a legitimate boxing match.
The Showmanship of the Event
Despite the underwhelming action in the ring, the event was a spectacle designed for entertainment, with Paul reportedly earning £30 million for the fight and Tyson taking home half that amount. The event was streamed to Netflix’s 283 million subscribers, and with the lavish production, including a custom green car entrance for Paul and a VIP package costing up to £1.6 million, it was clear this event was as much about the show as it was about the sport.
Prominent figures from boxing, including Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, and Roy Jones Jr., were in attendance, along with celebrities like Shaquille O’Neal and stars from Netflix shows like Cobra Kai. The atmosphere in the arena, home to the Dallas Cowboys, was electric for Tyson’s entrance, but the mood soured as the fight unfolded.
Tyson’s Final Farewell?
While Paul has since expressed a desire to face Mexican superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, his performance against Tyson, a man who was once a dominant force in boxing, raises questions about the legitimacy of such a challenge. Tyson’s return to the ring has left many wondering if it should be the last. At his age and after years away from the sport, Tyson’s bout with Paul served as a reminder of the dangers of stepping back into the ring after a long hiatus.
As for Paul, he continues his boxing journey, securing his 11th professional victory, but a potential fight with Canelo Alvarez now seems far-fetched after going the distance with a 58-year-old Tyson. For Tyson, this bout may mark the final chapter in his storied career, as fans and analysts alike hope the former champion stays retired for his safety and to avoid diminishing his legacy.
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