YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul defeated former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in a lackluster eight-round match, much to the disappointment of the 70,000 fans in Texas and millions streaming worldwide on Netflix. The 58-year-old Tyson, who hadn’t fought professionally in nearly two decades, struggled to keep up with the 27-year-old Jake Paul, who relied on his youth and athleticism to secure the victory. Judges scored the bout 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73 in Jake Paul’s favor, marking Tyson’s seventh professional loss in his illustrious 57-fight career.
Despite the loud cheers Tyson received entering the ring, fans grew restless as the uneventful fight progressed. By the final bell, many attendees had already left the stadium, disappointed by a matchup that fell far short of expectations. In a surprising twist post-fight, Tyson hinted at the possibility of facing Jake Paul’s brother, Logan Jake Paul, suggesting he might consider another comeback despite his evident struggles in the ring.
An Uneven Matchup Between Age and Youth
Critics have argued that this match was a poor reflection of boxing, as the gap in age and experience left little room for competition. Tyson, who had retired after a loss to Kevin McBride in 2005, entered the ring with diminished stamina and power, showcasing just a fraction of his former abilities. Fans and analysts alike questioned his decision to participate, seeing it as a symbolic and physical mismatch that could only end one way.
From the start, it was apparent that Tyson’s chances of winning depended on a quick knockout, but the aging champion only landed a handful of punches. Although he managed to throw a strong right hand in the first round, Jake Paul quickly established control, connecting with sharp jabs and even wobbling Tyson with a left hook in the third. By the later rounds, Tyson’s movements had slowed, and Paul’s more frequent and accurate punches further highlighted the age gap.
A Lackluster Show Despite the Spectacle
While the fight disappointed from a boxing standpoint, it drew global attention as Netflix streamed the event to its massive subscriber base of 283 million. Paul reportedly earned £30 million, while Tyson earned about half that amount, a testament to the fight’s commercial appeal. No expense was spared in promoting the event, with Paul arriving in a customized green car to the tune of “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins, and even attempting to gift Tyson a pigeon, referencing Tyson’s fondness for the birds.
The Dallas Cowboys’ stadium erupted with cheers for Tyson, creating an electrifying atmosphere that perhaps overshadowed the actual fight. Among the notable attendees were boxing icons Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones Jr., and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, who all witnessed the underwhelming bout firsthand. Ticket sales alone brought in over £14 million, with VIP packages costing as much as £1.6 million, making the event a financial success despite mixed reviews on its quality.
Is This the Last Time We See Tyson in the Ring?
Following his defeat, Jake Paul expressed ambitions to fight boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez, a goal that seems even more far-fetched after his lackluster performance against an aging Tyson. The question now arises if this was Tyson’s final appearance in the ring. While the fight offered him a brief return to the limelight and a substantial financial gain, his performance suggested the limitations of continuing at his age.
For Tyson, the choice to step back into the ring may have been driven by nostalgia and the allure of a significant payday, but it was clear that his best years are long behind him. Observers hope this bout serves as a cautionary tale for other retired athletes considering similar comebacks. Tyson’s legacy in the sport is indisputable, but this recent return, which ultimately favored spectacle over substance, might be best remembered as a one-time indulgence.
