YouTube star turned boxer Jake Paul defeated former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson by a unanimous decision in a boxing match that failed to live up to its hype.
The highly-anticipated Netflix fight was riddled with technical glitches, but those who got to watch it witnessed Paul, 27, dominate Tyson, 58 early and cruise to his 11th professional win.
While Tyson managed to win the first two rounds, his age got the best of him when Paul found his groove and landed a staggering 78 of his 276 thrown punches compared to just 18 of Tyson’s 97 attempts.
However, the excitement dwindled in the later rounds, with boos echoing from the AT&T Stadium crowd as both fighters made much effort to do nothing as the clock ticked down.
All three judges ruled the fight in favor of Paul, with scores of 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73, though it might not have been that close.
Jake Paul bows to Mike Tyson at the end of the match. #PaulTyson pic.twitter.com/FUQGZVyADQ
— Netflix (@netflix) November 16, 2024
“First and foremost, Mike Tyson, it’s such an honor,” Paul said after the match. “He’s the G.O.A.T,” Paul said after the match. It was as tough and hard as I thought it would be.”
Tyson, who wore a knee brace, struggled to mount a challenge after being shaken by left hands in the third round but managed to stay defensively sound, avoiding serious damage.
Even Roy Jones Jr., who faced Tyson in an exhibition match back in November 2020 and served on the broadcast panel, noted the legendary fighter’s struggles. “I don’t like Mike’s legs. I don’t like Mike’s legs at all,” he remarked.
When asked why he agreed to the match with a leg injury, Tyson responded:
“Yeah, but I can’t use that as an excuse. If I did, I wouldn’t be in here.”
“I knew he was a good fighter [Paul]. He was prepared. I came to fight. I didn’t prove nothing to anybody, only to myself. I’m not one of those guys that live to please the world. I’m just happy with what I can do.”
And when asked if he was officially done with boxing, Tyson said he wasn’t sure.
“I don’t think so. Maybe the brother (Logan Paul),” Tyson hinted.
Paul, on his side, claimed he was now ready to take on anyone, possibly even Mexican champion Canelo Alvarez.
“Anyone I want,” the influencer said. “Everyone is next on the list.”
Paul vs. Tyson is now available to watch globally on Netflix.
