Jake Paul, the YouTuber-turned-boxer, claimed a decisive points victory over boxing legend Mike Tyson in a dull eight-round contest that left 70,000 fans in Texas disappointed. The match, which was streamed globally on Netflix, was a far cry from the excitement many had hoped for, as Tyson, now 58 and having been retired for 19 years, showed signs of age and decline.
Tyson, once a feared two-time heavyweight champion, was clearly not the fighter he once was. At 58, he appeared slow, sluggish, and out of shape compared to his opponent, the 27-year-old Paul. Although Paul is still a relative novice in the sport, he used his youthful energy and athleticism to keep Tyson at bay, landing jabs and quick punches throughout the eight two-minute rounds.
The fight started with Tyson receiving a hero's welcome, but by the time the final bell rang, boos began to fill the arena. Tyson managed to land only 18 punches over the entire fight, while Paul connected with 78. The judges scored the fight unanimously in Paul's favor, with tallies of 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73.
The result left many questioning the legitimacy of the match, especially given Tyson’s long absence from the ring. Tyson himself admitted afterward that his heart was no longer in the sport, following a lackluster loss to Kevin McBride back in 2005. Despite his age, Tyson had said he was "coming to fight," but it was clear from early on that his best days were behind him.
For Paul, this was his 11th professional win, following his first career loss to Tommy Fury last year. Paul, who first gained fame online with prank videos and social media stunts, now eyes bigger challenges, including a potential showdown with Mexican superstar Canelo Álvarez. However, after facing Tyson, such a claim seems unrealistic, given how outclassed Tyson looked in the ring.
In a bizarre post-fight moment, Tyson called out Paul’s brother, Logan, and hinted at a possible return to the ring, which only added to the surreal nature of the event.
The fight itself was marred by its lack of drama. Both fighters wore heavy gloves with extra padding, a decision made by the Texas commission. However, the additional padding hardly made a difference, as neither fighter came close to landing a knockout blow.
Despite the underwhelming nature of the bout, the event was a spectacle in terms of its production value. Paul was driven to the ring in a custom green car, and Tyson made his entrance to the familiar roar of his fans. The event was broadcast worldwide on Netflix to its massive audience, adding a layer of celebrity spectacle to the event. A ringside seat at the event was priced at up to £1.6 million, with the fighters reportedly earning £30 million and £15 million, respectively.
While Tyson’s presence and legacy brought star power to the event, many are now left wondering if this will be his final appearance in the ring. With his age and performance in clear decline, the risk to his health and legacy is evident. For Paul, the fight seems to have done little to prove he’s ready for top-tier competition, with many now questioning whether his future in boxing will be defined by gimmicks or real challenges.
For Tyson, perhaps the allure of the spotlight and the hefty payday were too tempting to resist. Whatever the motivation, fans are hoping this marks the last time they see the former champion in the ring.