The boxing world watched with a mix of anticipation and scepticism as YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul secured a tedious points victory over former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in a highly anticipated but ultimately disappointing bout in Texas.
The fight streamed globally to Netflixâs 283 million subscribers, and drew an impressive crowd of 70,000 fans. Yet, for many, the spectacle fell flat, with frustration mounting as the fight dragged on, leading to boos from the audience and fans leaving the stadium early.
At 58 years old and nearly two decades removed from his last professional bout, Tyson struggled to find his rhythm against the much younger Paul. Despite receiving a heroâs welcome as he entered the arena, it quickly became clear that the legendary boxer was far from his prime. Slow and sluggish, Tyson could only offer glimpses of the ferocity that once made him a feared champion. In contrast, the 27-year-old Paul used his youth, athleticism, and superior conditioning to control the fight, keeping Tyson at bay and peppering him with jabs and combinations.
The eight-round contest, with rounds limited to just two minutes each, showcased the stark difference in stamina between the two fighters. Tyson, who managed to land only 18 punches throughout the entire fight, struggled to close the gap against Paulâs reach and speed. Paul, on the other hand, connected with 78 punches, consistently outworking his ageing opponent. By the time the judges announced their unanimous decision 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73 in favour of Paul most of the crowd had already accepted the inevitable outcome.
The build-up to the fight was surrounded by scepticism, with many questioning whether both men would take the fight seriously. Despite assurances from both camps, it was clear from the start that the contest would not live up to the hype. The Texas Commission, which sanctioned the fight as a professional bout, required both fighters to wear heavier gloves with extra padding for added safety though this precaution did little to affect the outcome, as neither fighter came close to landing a knockout blow.
For Tyson, who had been vocal about wanting to test himself once more in the ring, the fight ended as a sobering reminder of the physical toll that age takes. Though he briefly showed flashes of his old head movement, he struggled to mount any sustained offence. The best moments came in the early rounds when he managed to land a couple of right hands, but as the fight progressed, Paulâs superior conditioning began to show. By the seventh round, a left hook from Paul visibly rocked Tyson, leaving fans eager to hear the final bell.
Meanwhile, Jake Paul, known more for his social media antics than his boxing prowess, added another win to his unconventional career. This victory marks his 11th professional win, coming after a loss to Tommy Fury last year. Paul wasted no time reigniting talk of future matchups, once again calling out Mexican superstar Saul âCaneloâ Alvarez. âCanelo knows where the money is,â Paul boasted post-fight, emphasising his ambition to secure even bigger paydays. Whether such a fight is realistic remains doubtful, given Paulâs limited success against 58-year-old Tyson.
Despite the underwhelming nature of the fight itself, the event was nothing short of a spectacle. Leveraging Netflixâs global reach, the organisers pulled out all the stops to entertain fans. Jake Paul made a dramatic entrance, arriving in a custom green car to the sound of Phil Collinsâ In the Air Tonight, accompanied by his brother, WWE star Logan Paul. The theatrics extended to the ring walk, where Paul even attempted to gift Tyson a pigeon.
The event drew a star-studded crowd, with boxing royalty like Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones Jr., and Andre Ward in attendance, along with Netflix celebrities and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. Yet, as the fight progressed, the excitement in the arena waned. By the final rounds, many fans were already making their way to the exits, disappointed by the lack of action.
For Tyson, this bout may have been driven more by the allure of the spotlight and the promise of a lucrative payday than by any real competitive desire. With over ÂŁ14 million recouped from ticket sales alone, itâs clear that the event was a financial success. However, the fight did little to enhance Tysonâs legacy and raised serious concerns about whether ageing fighters should continue to step into the ring.
As for Paul, while the win adds another chapter to his unorthodox boxing career, it did little to convince critics of his legitimacy in the sport. Going the distance with a much older Tyson may have added to his bank account, but it did little to bolster his claims of wanting to face true champions like Alvarez.
In the end, the fight may be remembered not for its action but for the spectacle it provided. It was a night that showcased the power of celebrity, entertainment, and marketing over the actual sport of boxing. For Tyson, this may very well have been the final chapter of his storied career. For Jake Paul, itâs just another stepping stone in his quest to cement his YouTube fame and fighting.
