November 16, 2024: Jake Paul made a significant statement in the boxing world by defeating the legendary Mike Tyson via unanimous decision in an eight-round heavyweight match at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.
The much-anticipated fight, part of a Netflix event, saw Paul, the YouTuber-turned-boxer, secure a win with all three judges scoring the bout in his favor: 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73. The match was contested in 2-minute rounds, which added to the pace and intensity of the contest.
The fight had originally been scheduled for July 20, but was delayed after Tyson, who was making his return to the ring after a 19-year hiatus, sought medical attention for an ulcer flare-up during a flight. At 58 years old, Tyson, one of the most iconic figures in boxing history, entered the ring for the first time since his 2005 retirement. Paul, with a record of 10-1 going into the fight, was seen as the younger, more active fighter, and he was eager to prove himself against the legendary “Iron Mike.”
The atmosphere at AT&T Stadium was electric, with a divided crowd. Paul, entering the ring to boos, was greeted with hostility by many in the Texas crowd, while Tyson, the veteran champion, walked alone and was met with roaring applause. The opening round was an exciting one, as Tyson initially asserted his dominance, landing a couple of solid punches after forcing Paul into the corner. However, Paul slowly found his rhythm and retaliated towards the end of the round, although the judges gave it to Tyson.
Round two continued in similar fashion, with Paul keeping his guard low, inviting Tyson to exchange blows. Tyson clinched the round with a few clean strikes, giving him a 2-0 lead on the scorecards. But as the rounds progressed, the signs of Tyson’s age and inactivity became evident. In the third round, Paul rocked Tyson with a triple jab that sent Tyson to the ropes, and by the fourth, the former champion appeared fatigued, with his mobility significantly reduced. Paul capitalized on the opportunity, taking the round and closing the gap on the scorecards.
Round five saw Tyson try to bounce back with a left jab, but Paul answered with a couple of body shots, maintaining his lead as the fight neared its halfway point. Going into the second half of the fight, Paul held a 48-47 advantage on the judges’ scorecards, and Tyson, needing to win big rounds, seemed unable to muster the strength to turn the tide.
The crowd, clearly behind Tyson, urged him on, but Paul continued to control the pace of the fight, dictating the exchanges. Tyson’s big round never materialized, and as the final rounds ticked down, it became clear that Paul would take the decision. When the fight ended, Paul walked over to Tyson and offered a heartfelt bow to his opponent, showing respect for the legendary boxer.
This victory over Tyson, a man who once dominated the heavyweight division, solidifies Paul’s place as a legitimate figure in the world of professional boxing. While the win was controversial to some—given Tyson’s long absence from the ring and his advanced age—it was still a massive achievement for Paul, who has quickly turned from internet personality to a serious contender in the sport.
The result has undoubtedly sparked further discussion about Jake Paul’s future in boxing, with some critics questioning the level of competition he has faced, while others are now considering him a force to be reckoned with in the ring. Regardless, the win over Tyson is a career-defining moment for Paul, and his growing presence in the sport is impossible to ignore.