In a match that will be talked about for years, Jake Paul defeated Mike Tyson by unanimous decision in a heavyweight boxing showdown livestreamed on Netflix. Over 70,000 fans packed into AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, to witness the improbable clash between a 27-year-old social media influencer and a 58-year-old former world champion.
A Build-Up Full of Drama
The lead-up to the fight was as wild as expected. Tyson, known for his unpredictability, set the tone by slapping Paul during the weigh-in on Thursday. But the drama didn’t stop there. Fans and critics speculated on whether the legendary fighter, who last competed professionally in 2005, could take down the internet sensation turned boxer.
While Paul entered the ring as the betting favorite, both fighters cashed in big. Paul is expected to earn $40 million, while Tyson will walk away with a cool $20 million.
Read also: Mike Tyson Slaps Jake Paul To Make Friday Night Fight ‘Personal’
Tyson vs. Paul: Round-by-Round Analysis
Round 1: Nostalgia vs. Strategy
Tyson charged to the center of the ring with the energy of his prime. He even landed an overhand right that brought fans to their feet. But Paul kept his distance, forcing Tyson to chase him around the ring. The round ended close, but the strategy favored Paul.
Score: Tyson 9, Paul 8
Round 2: Measuring the Opponent
The pace slowed as both fighters sized each other up. Analyst Roy Jones Jr. noted Tyson’s legs didn’t look great, possibly due to the brace on his right knee. Despite the slow action, Tyson managed to edge out the round.
Score: Tyson 17, Paul 16
Round 3: Age Takes Over
Things turned grim for Tyson as Paul’s speed and youth started to show. Paul landed several sharp shots, and Tyson stumbled under the pressure. Fans began to feel the weight of reality—Tyson’s age was catching up with him.
Score: Paul 25, Tyson 24
Round 4: Boo Birds and Body Shots
Paul looked at ease, as if this were a sparring match. He landed a left hook and a body shot while Tyson struggled to gain momentum. Boos started to echo in the stadium, signaling the crowd’s disappointment.
Score: Paul 33, Tyson 32
Round 5: Paul Targets the Chin
Paul shifted focus to Tyson’s chin, though he didn’t land any knockout-worthy blows. Tyson’s energy continued to fade. The gap between the two fighters grew, much like the distance between Tyson’s legendary days and the present.
Score: Paul 43, Tyson 41
Round 6: The End of an Era
Roy Jones Jr. summed it up perfectly: “I think that’s all we’re going to see from Mike.” Tyson looked plodding and slow, struggling to keep up. Boos grew louder as fans realized this fight wasn’t living up to its hype.
Score: Paul 53, Tyson 50
Round 7: Sympathy for the Legend
Paul didn’t press his advantage despite Tyson’s visible fatigue. Sympathy for Tyson grew even among the commentators, a rare sentiment for the once-dominant champion.
Score: Paul 63, Tyson 59
Round 8: The Final Bell
Paul landed a jab that seemed to solidify the fight. Tyson, breathing heavily, couldn’t dodge or close the gap. Paul bowed to Tyson in a show of respect as the final bell rang, marking the end of a surreal night.
Final Score: Paul 73, Tyson 68
Post-Fight Reflections
For Paul, the victory was a crowning moment in his young boxing career, improving his record to 11-1. For Tyson, it was a bittersweet return, bringing his career tally to 50-7.
Tyson’s “Biting” Commentary
Fans noticed Tyson gnawing on his glove during the fight, a nod to his infamous 1997 ear-biting incident. When asked about it post-match, Tyson cheekily replied, “I have a biting fixation,” drawing laughs from the crowd.
This fight wasn’t about skill or legacy—it was about spectacle. Tyson may have lost to Father Time, but he remains a legend. Paul, love him or hate him, proved he’s more than just a YouTube star.
What’s next for both fighters remains unclear, but one thing is certain: this was a fight fans won’t soon forget.