Jake Paul defeats Mike Tyson

Jake Paul, a YouTuber turned boxer, defeated former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson on points. The fight took place at the AT&T Stadium in Texas and watched by 70,000 frustrated fans and millions more viewers via Netflix. The event which promised much disappointed many fans with its lackluster performance.

Background and preparation

Mike Tyson, now 58 years old and hasn't fought professionally in 19 years, took on the younger and more athletic Jake Paul, aged 27. Tyson, known for his ferocity and power in the ring, was a shadow of his former self. Jake Paul, who is relatively new to professional boxing, used his youth and fitness to keep Tyson at bay throughout the fight.

The fight

During the eight-round fight, which comprised two-minute rounds, Paul landed many jabs and accurate punches. Tyson looked slow and sluggish and could not keep up with Paul's pace and agility. Although he was celebrated like a hero at the beginning of the fight, he was booed at the end.

The judges scored the fight 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73 in favor of Paul. After suffering his seventh loss in 57 fights, Tyson called out Paul's brother Logan in an awkward moment after the fight, hinting that he might fight again.

Legitimacy and criticism

The fight raised questions about its legitimacy and the seriousness with the way both men approached it. Tyson claimed he "came to fight", but the conditions set by the Texas commission that sanctioned the fight as a professional fight seemed ridiculous after the fight. Both fighters wore heavier gloves with extra padding, but not a single punch during the fight came close to a knockout. Tyson landed only 18 punches during the entire fight, while Paul landed 78.

Jake Paul's rise

Jake Paul became famous through joke videos on social media and reached a fan base of 70 million before venturing into boxing. With this win, he secured his 11th professional victory despite losing to Tommy Fury the previous year. Paul reiterated his desire to fight Mexican superstar Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez, stating "He knows he wants a payday, so he knows where to get the money."

Reflections on the fight

Hindsight reveals that the result was no surprise and vindicated critics who felt the fight made a mockery of the sport of boxing. Tyson, who had expressed his lack of passion for the sport after his defeat to Kevin McBride in 2005, showed the physical limitations of a man approaching sixty. Early in the fight, Tyson landed a right hand, but Paul’s jab and left hand staggered him in the third round.

Paul, clad in what was reportedly the most costly shorts globally adorned with diamonds and valued at $1 million, continued to assert his dominance in the fight. Tyson, sporting a black knee brace on his right leg, occasionally avoided Paul's punches, but the age gap was unmistakable. By the seventh round, a left hook from Paul further diminished Tyson's strength, causing fans to expect the conclusion of the bout.

Financials and Spectacle

Even though the fight itself fell short of excitement, the event proved to be a financial triumph. Live streaming on Netflix to a global audience of 283 million subscribers, both boxers walked away with hefty paychecks. Paul was reported to have earned £30 million, while Tyson received half that amount. Ticket sales alone generated over £14.1 million, with one VIP package—complete with ringside seats and photos with the fighters—fetching as much as £1.6 million.

Arriving at the ring in a bespoke green vehicle accompanied by the strains of Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight," Paul was joined by his brother, WWE wrestler Logan Paul. Fans remained on their feet throughout the match, while a thunderous cheer for Tyson resonated through the arena. Dressed in his signature all-black attire, Tyson maintained his serious expression from the week’s training sessions.

The bout attracted several prominent figures, including boxing legends such as Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones Jr., and Andre Ward, who were all part of the broadcast. Some celebrities from Netflix productions like Cobra Kai and NBA icon Shaquille O'Neal were also present at ringside.

While the matchup between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson may not have lived up to expectations, it certainly created a spectacle that garnered significant attention and revenue. Tyson's performance highlighted the inevitable effects of aging, whereas Paul seized the opportunity to bolster his boxing reputation. As the events unfold, it remains uncertain whether Tyson will make a return to the ring or if this bout signifies the conclusion of his illustrious boxing career.