November 15, 2024 – YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul won a points decision over boxing legend Mike Tyson in front of 70,000 fans in Texas, with millions watching on Netflix. At age 58 and out of the ring for nearly two decades, Tyson appeared a shadow of his former self.
Paul, 27, has limited boxing experience but used his youth and athleticism to stay out of Tyson’s reach, scoring clean jabs and punches in an eight-round fight of two-minute rounds. Tyson, though welcomed with cheers, looked slow and tired, and boos filled the arena by the end of the fight.
Fans watched as judges scored the fight 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73 in favor of Paul. Some even left before the announcement, disappointed in the fight’s slow pace. Despite the loss, Tyson suggested a possible future match with Jake’s brother, Logan Paul, saying he “came to fight.”
Boxing fans and critics questioned the fight’s legitimacy. Both fighters wore heavier, padded gloves per Texas commission rules, but the added padding didn’t matter; neither boxer landed a punch close to a knockout. Paul landed 78 punches to Tyson’s 18.
Once known for viral pranks, Jake Paul now has 11 professional boxing wins. He’s expressed interest in fighting Mexican boxing star Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, claiming Canelo “knows where the money is at.”
An Old Boxer and a Young Fighter
Fans had expected an intense fight, but Tyson’s age showed, and he couldn’t keep up with Paul. Many felt Tyson would need an early knockout to stand a chance. Though he landed a strong right hand in the first round, Paul soon gained control, wobbling Tyson with a left hand in the third.
Paul, sporting luxury boxing shorts, landed repeated punches on the older fighter. Tyson, wearing a knee brace, dodged some punches, but his attempts to land power hits fell short.
A High-Priced Event on a Global Stage
The event, streamed to Netflix’s massive global audience, may have disappointed fans, but it was packed with excitement. With Paul reportedly earning £30 million and Tyson £15 million, the match brought in huge money.
Paul’s entrance was showy, as he drove into the ring in a custom green car, accompanied by his brother, WWE wrestler Logan Paul, and a pigeon as a quirky gift for Tyson. Fans stood cheering for Tyson, who walked in wearing his usual all-black outfit.
The event earned over £14.1 million from ticket sales, with VIP packages reaching as high as £1.6 million. Boxing legends Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones Jr., and Andre Ward joined the broadcast, while stars like NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal and Netflix actors watched from ringside.
Is This Tyson’s Final Fight?
Though Paul dreams of fighting Canelo, his match with Tyson showed he still has a long way to go. Tyson, perhaps drawn back by the spotlight and the money, now faces questions about his future. Hopefully, for his health and to avoid setting a risky example, Tyson can leave boxing behind for good.