In a highly publicized return to boxing, 58-year-old Mike Tyson was decisively defeated by Jake Paul on Friday in Arlington, Texas. Paul, 27, cruised to victory by unanimous decision in the eight-round bout at AT&T Stadium, with scores of 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73 in his favor. The fight showcased the vast gap in speed, stamina, and age, as Paul outclassed the legendary former heavyweight champion.
Paul’s superior agility and volume of punches overwhelmed Tyson, who struggled to make an impact. The final punch stats told the story: Tyson landed only 18 of 97 punches thrown, while Paul connected with 78 of 278 attempts. A flurry of punches in the third round briefly troubled Tyson, but Paul was unable to deliver the knockout he had promised.
Despite the one-sided contest, Paul paid tribute to Tyson after the bout, calling him “the greatest to ever do it” and “an inspiration.” Paul even bowed to Tyson in respect as the final seconds ticked down.
Tyson: “I Came to Fight”
Tyson, donning his signature black trunks and poncho during his ring walk, acknowledged his limitations but remained proud of his effort.
“I came to fight,” Tyson said. “I didn’t prove anything to anybody except myself. I’m just happy with what I can do.” He dismissed speculation that a knee brace affected his performance, saying, “I can’t use that as an excuse. If I did, I wouldn’t be in here.”
When asked about future fights, Tyson hinted at the possibility, stating, “I don’t think so,” but leaving the door open depending on circumstances.
A Polarizing Event
The contest, broadcast live on Netflix and attended by 70,000 fans, has divided the boxing world. Critics called it a spectacle unbefitting Tyson’s legacy and warned of health risks for the 58-year-old. Concerns heightened after Tyson suffered a medical scare earlier this year, postponing the fight originally set for July.
Despite the criticism, Tyson defended his participation, insisting his enduring star power drew envy from detractors. The bout earned Tyson a reported $20 million payday, nearly two decades after his retirement from professional boxing in 2005.
Paul, who transitioned from Youtuber to boxer, continues to build his profile with high-profile fights. The result underscored Tyson’s limitations at his age while further cementing Paul as a marketable figure in modern boxing.
