Jake Paul emerged victorious in a highly anticipated boxing match against Mike Tyson, securing a unanimous decision after eight intense two-minute rounds. The event, held at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, was broadcast live on Netflix, marking the streaming platform’s debut in hosting a major boxing event.
The Fight: Youth vs. Experience
The 27-year-old Paul faced off against the legendary 58-year-old Tyson in a fight that drew millions of viewers. Tyson started strong, displaying glimpses of his renowned power and technique. However, as the fight progressed, Paul adapted and began to dominate, landing significantly more punches on the aging icon.
A Netflix First for Boxing
Organized by Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), the event featured eight fights, transforming the home of the Dallas Cowboys into a boxing spectacle. Despite some streaming issues and a pre-fight viral moment involving Tyson, the event delivered an electrifying night of action.
The fight, originally scheduled for July 20, had been postponed due to Tyson’s health concerns during a flight.
The Payouts and Pre-Match Buzz
Paul, who confidently stated his intention to “make $40 million and knock out a legend,” lived up to his promise, earning a staggering $40 million (£31.1 million). Tyson, despite the loss, took home a significant $20 million (£15.4 million).
The bout deviated from traditional boxing rules, featuring 14oz gloves instead of the standard 10oz, two-minute rounds instead of three, and a total of eight rounds rather than 12.
Background and Records
Jake Paul entered the ring with a record of 10-1, his sole loss being to Tommy Fury. Tyson, who retired from professional boxing two decades ago, boasted an illustrious 50-6-2 career record. The age difference and Paul’s recent activity in the sport made him the bookies’ favorite, with odds of 2/5 compared to Tyson’s 12/5.
Fight Card Highlights
The event also included other notable matches:
- Katie Taylor defeated Amanda Serrano via unanimous decision.
- Mario Barrios and Abel Ramos ended in a split draw.
- Neeraj Goyat triumphed over Whindersson Nunes by unanimous decision.
- Shadasia Green narrowly defeated Melinda Watpool via split decision.
- Lucas Bahdi secured a majority decision win against Armando Casamonica.
Jake Paul’s victory over the boxing legend has not only added a remarkable chapter to his career but also set a new precedent for streaming platforms like Netflix in sports entertainment.