In a highly anticipated showdown, Jake Paul defeated boxing legend Mike Tyson by unanimous decision on Friday night at AT&T Stadium, a spectacle watched by more than 70,000 spectators. The fight, streamed live on Netflix, marked Tyson’s first professional bout since 2005, and Paul’s victory solidified his status as a rising star in the sport of boxing.
The highly unusual matchup saw the 58-year-old Tyson, a former heavyweight champion, face off against the 27-year-old social media sensation. The bout, which was preceded by a dramatic weigh-in in which Tyson slapped Paul in a heated exchange, was a spectacle from the start. Paul entered the ring as the betting favorite, but Tyson’s return to the ring had its own fair share of hype.
From the opening bell, Tyson, trying to recapture the speed and ferocity of his prime, began strong but quickly showed signs of the toll age had taken. Paul, who entered the fight with an unorthodox approach, used his speed and agility to outmaneuver Tyson. By the middle rounds, Paul began landing consistent jabs and combinations, while Tyson’s energy visibly waned.
By Round 3, Tyson’s fatigue was apparent, with the former champion struggling to keep pace with Paul. Commentators pointed out the glaring difference in speed, with one remarking, “Paul looks so much faster, the difference between a starship and a shuttlecraft.” In the sixth round, Tyson’s lack of stamina became undeniable as the crowd expressed their frustration with louder boos.
Despite his clear dominance, Paul showed respect for Tyson, holding back from going for a knockout punch. In the final seconds of the fight, Paul bowed to Tyson, a gesture of admiration for the boxing icon. The judges awarded the fight to Paul, with a final score of 73-68.
Jake Paul’s win improved his boxing record to 11-1, and the victory is expected to earn him a staggering $40 million, while Tyson is set to pocket $20 million. The high-profile nature of the fight — especially with Netflix streaming the event — made it one of the most lucrative bouts in recent boxing history .
In a post-fight interview, Paul expressed his excitement about the victory, saying, “This was a surreal experience. To share the ring with a legend like Mike Tyson is something I’ll never forget.” Despite the loss, Tyson was gracious in defeat, acknowledging Paul’s skills. “The kid’s got some talent,” Tyson said. “I didn’t think he’d be that quick.”
The bout highlights the growing trend of celebrity and influencer boxing, which continues to draw millions of viewers and generate significant pay-per-view and streaming revenue. This fight, streamed exclusively on Netflix, signals a potential shift in how the sport of boxing will be consumed, merging traditional sports with digital entertainment platforms to reach a wider audience.
As Jake Paul moves forward in his boxing career, his victory over Tyson serves as a milestone in his unconventional rise in the sport. Whether this event will inspire more legends to return for a last payday or if the new wave of influencers like Paul will continue to dominate the ring remains to be seen. For now, Paul’s victory over Tyson has undeniably marked a new chapter in boxing history.
