Boxing fans witnessed a historic bout as YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul emerged victorious against legendary fighter Mike Tyson on Friday night. Hosted at the iconic AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the highly anticipated match kept the audience on edge despite Tyson showing signs of fatigue throughout the fight.
The unanimous decision by the judges favored Paul, 27, as Tyson, now 58, struggled to match the energy and agility of his younger opponent.
Drama Unfolds Before the Fight
The match was surrounded by intense drama right from the pre-fight weigh-in. On Thursday, tensions escalated when Tyson slapped Paul during an altercation at the Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas. The incident occurred after Paul, wearing shoes, stepped on Tyson’s bare toes.
“I was in my socks, and he stepped on my toe. I thought it was accidental, but now I believe it was intentional,” Tyson shared during a pre-fight interview. He added, “I had to reciprocate.”
Paul dismissed the slap, calling it “cute,” and added fuel to the fire by declaring, “Tomorrow, Tyson’s getting knocked out.”
Star-Studded Night and Memorable Entrances
The event attracted a host of celebrities, including Charlize Theron, Joe Jonas, Shaquille O’Neal, and Rosie Perez. Tori Kelly’s soulful rendition of the national anthem set the tone for the night.
Jake Paul made a dramatic entrance, riding a lowrider alongside his brother Logan Paul. He walked out to the iconic track “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins, a nod to Tyson’s memorable scene in The Hangover.
Tyson, on the other hand, chose a subdued approach, walking solo to honor his late daughter, Exodus. Her name was embroidered on his boxing shorts as a heartfelt tribute.
The Fight: Tyson Struggles Against Paul
From the first round, it became apparent that age played a significant role in Tyson’s performance. While he displayed glimpses of his legendary power, he struggled to keep up with Paul’s speed and endurance. Tyson managed to land a few solid punches but could not sustain his momentum.
By the eighth and final round, the energy in the arena had shifted, with fans expressing their dissatisfaction by booing. Paul’s consistency and aggression earned him a decisive win, marking a major milestone in his boxing career.
What’s Next for Paul and Tyson?
Paul, known for his flamboyant personality, was quick to celebrate his victory. “I told everyone, this was my moment, and I delivered,” he said during the post-fight press conference.
For Tyson, the match sparked mixed emotions among fans. While some admired his courage to step into the ring at 58, others felt the fight underscored the physical toll of age on professional athletes.
Global Streaming and Reactions
The Paul vs. Tyson fight is now available for streaming on Netflix, allowing fans worldwide to witness the action. Social media platforms lit up with reactions, with some praising Paul’s skills and others debating the ethics of such age-disparate matchups.
This match not only showcased Paul’s growth as a boxer but also served as a testament to Tyson’s enduring spirit and legacy in the sport.
