In a fight that left fans disappointed, YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul secured a dominant points victory over 58-year-old boxing legend Mike Tyson. The eight-round contest, held at the AT&T Stadium in Texas before a crowd of 70,000 and streamed globally on Netflix, showcased an aging Tyson struggling against his much younger opponent.
Tyson, who last fought professionally 19 years ago, was far from his prime. Despite receiving a hero’s welcome, his performance failed to live up to expectations, landing only 18 punches compared to Paul’s 78. Judges awarded Paul a unanimous decision with scores of 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73. The crowd, many of whom booed as the fight progressed, saw Paul maintain control with precise jabs while Tyson, hampered by age and limited stamina, appeared sluggish throughout the bout.
“Call it what you want—entertainment or boxing—but it was clear that Tyson’s best days were far behind him,” a spectator commented after the fight. 
Paul, 27, capitalized on his youth and athleticism to claim his 11th professional win. The social media sensation, known for his extravagant displays, entered the arena in style, riding a custom green car while Phil Collins’ In the Air Tonight played in the background.
Tyson, wearing his iconic black attire, showed glimpses of his famed head movement but was often caught off balance. In one instance during the fifth round, a lunge for a hook missed Paul by nearly a foot, drawing murmurs of concern and disappointment from fans.
After the fight, Tyson made the surprising claim that he would consider returning to the ring, even suggesting a potential bout with Paul’s brother, Logan. “I came to fight,” Tyson said, though many questioned his ability to compete at such a level.
Paul, meanwhile, used the victory as another platform to call out boxing superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. “He knows he wants a payday, so he knows where the money is at,” Paul said, stirring skepticism from critics.
Despite the lackluster action, the event itself was a financial juggernaut, generating over £14.1 million from ticket sales. One VIP package, including ringside seats and photos with the fighters, sold for a staggering £1.6 million. The spectacle also attracted a host of celebrities, including NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal and boxing icons Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield.
While Paul celebrates his latest win, questions loom over Tyson’s future. Should the former heavyweight champion step back into the ring again, or does this fight mark the final chapter of his storied career?
