Jake Paul secured a comfortable victory over Mike Tyson in a highly debated and groundbreaking fight broadcasted on Netflix from Texas.
The bout, held at AT&T Stadium before a crowd of 70,000, ended with loud boos as fans expressed their dissatisfaction with an uneventful eight-round contest.
The 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer dominated the 58-year-old former heavyweight champion in all eight two-minute rounds, leaving no room for doubt about the outcome.
Despite Tyson’s legendary status, he appeared hesitant and sluggish, struggling to keep up with Paul’s pace and control.
For Paul’s legion of fans—spanning over 70 million across social media—the victory will likely open doors to more high-profile fights, including a potential showdown with boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez.
However, skeptics within the boxing community remain unconvinced of Paul’s legitimacy as a serious contender in the sport.
Tyson, who had hinted at a “full comeback” if he emerged victorious, might now reconsider any plans for future fights.
The legendary fighter, once hailed as the youngest heavyweight champion in history and nicknamed the “Baddest Man on the Planet,” had little to offer in this return to the ring.
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Despite his iconic career, Tyson’s controversial past, both inside and outside the ring, continues to overshadow his legacy.
This bout marked Tyson’s first professional fight since 2004. He adhered to conditions designed to mitigate risks, such as heavier gloves, reduced punch impact, and shorter rounds.
Despite these measures, fans were left disheartened as Tyson, donning a knee brace, struggled to land meaningful punches and lacked the dynamism that defined his prime.
The fight began slowly, with both men cautiously engaging in the first two rounds. While Tyson tried to press forward, his mobility waned, and by the third round, Paul had taken control, landing consistent shots on the aging legend.
As the fight wore on, boos echoed through the arena, with fans longing for a knockout or a moment of brilliance that never came.
By the later rounds, Tyson’s focus shifted from winning to enduring, and Paul, though dominant, lacked the power to finish the fight decisively. In the closing seconds, the two fighters exchanged gestures of respect, with Paul bowing to Tyson as the final bell rang.
“I’m happy,” Paul said post-fight, reportedly earning a staggering $40 million for the event.
“He’s the toughest man on the planet.” Tyson echoed the sentiment, saying, “I’m absolutely happy. I knew he was prepared, but I came to fight.”
When asked to evaluate Paul’s abilities, Tyson remarked, “He’s a very good fighter. He deserves respect, absolutely.”