Jake Paul defeats Mike Tyson via unanimous decision in highly anticipated fight

In a monumental boxing event, YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul defeated former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson via unanimous decision on Friday night at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The fight, held in front of a massive crowd of 72,300 fans, marked a historic moment in Paul’s career as he emerged victorious over the iconic Tyson, winning by scores of 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73 from all three judges.

With this win, Paul improves his professional boxing record to 11-1, including seven knockouts, and becomes just the sixth fighter to defeat the Hall of Famer Tyson in his storied career. The result solidifies Paul’s reputation as a serious force in the boxing world, despite his untraditional rise through the sport.

After the fight, an emotional Paul took a moment to pay tribute to Tyson. “First and foremost Mike Tyson, it’s such an honor,” Paul said. “He’s the G.O.A.T. I look up to him, I’m inspired by him, and we wouldn’t be here today without him. This man is an icon and it’s just an honor to be able to fight him.”

A Slow Start for Both Fighters

The opening rounds of the fight were cautious, with both boxers trying to find their rhythm. Tyson, who hadn’t fought professionally in 19 years, came out aggressively in the third round, landing some solid punches that seemed to momentarily rattle Paul. Tyson’s aggressive start suggested he still had some fire, but it quickly became apparent that his age and long absence from the ring were catching up with him.

Paul, who has become known for his quick hands and sharp jabs, responded effectively. In the middle rounds, Paul gained momentum, using his reach and jab to keep Tyson at bay. Tyson’s signature head movement, which once made him nearly impossible to hit, was noticeably absent. Former champion Roy Jones Jr., who was part of the broadcast panel, pointed out Tyson’s lack of movement, saying, “I don’t like Mike’s legs. I don’t like Mike’s legs at all.”

Paul Takes Control

As the fight progressed, Tyson showed signs of fatigue. He struggled to match Paul’s pace and precision, and by the later rounds, Tyson had become largely stationary in the ring. Despite moments of energy, Tyson never seemed to threaten Paul seriously, allowing the younger fighter to dictate the tempo and score with clean punches.

The turning point came in the middle rounds when Tyson, already showing visible signs of exhaustion, struggled to land any significant shots. Paul continued to control the fight, landing several combinations and keeping Tyson at a distance with his jab.

Tyson was asked after the match if he felt like he proved to the world that he could go the distance, despite his age. “I didn’t prove nothing to anybody, only to myself. I’m not one of those guys that looks to please the world. I’m just happy with what I can do,” he said.

Paul’s Journey to the Top

This victory over Tyson is perhaps the most high-profile of Paul’s boxing career. Initially gaining fame on YouTube, Paul began his boxing career in January 2020, defeating fellow YouTuber Ali Eson Gib by technical knockout. Since then, he has defeated several notable opponents, including former basketball player Nate Robinson, MMA stars Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva, and UFC legend Nate Diaz.

Paul’s first loss came in February 2023 when he faced Tommy Fury, the younger brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. However, Paul bounced back in his next fight, securing a unanimous decision win over Diaz. Now, with his victory over Tyson, Paul is firmly cementing his place in the world of professional boxing.

Netflix’s Live Boxing Debut Faces Technical Issues

While the event marked a major milestone for Paul, it was also Netflix’s first live boxing broadcast. However, the streaming giant faced significant technical difficulties. Viewers reported issues including buffering, lag, and trouble loading the event. DownDetector recorded over 90,000 reports of outages leading up to the fight.

In addition to streaming issues, there were also sound problems during an interview with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, which frustrated viewers. Paul himself acknowledged the streaming problems, joking that the event was so big it “crashed the site.”

Netflix is expected to continue its sports programming, with plans to stream two NFL games on Christmas Day and WWE’s “Raw” show starting in 2025.

Controversy in Co-Main Event

In the co-main event, Katie Taylor faced Amanda Serrano in a highly anticipated rematch. The fight ended in controversy when Taylor was awarded a unanimous decision victory despite Serrano outlanding her by a significant margin. The decision sparked outrage from the crowd, with many booing the result.

Serrano, who was the aggressor throughout much of the fight, accused Taylor of being a “dirty fighter” following the bout. The decision has since been met with widespread criticism, and many believe Serrano deserved the win.

Conclusion

Jake Paul’s victory over Mike Tyson represents a key moment in the rise of the YouTube star-turned-boxer. With the win, Paul has proven his legitimacy in the ring, but whether he will continue to face top-tier competition remains to be seen. The night was also marked by technical difficulties during Netflix’s live broadcast, but the event’s high profile and controversies made for an unforgettable evening in the world of boxing.