Jake Paul, the YouTuber-turned-boxer, triumphed over boxing legend Mike Tyson by unanimous decision in an eight-round heavyweight match on Friday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The victory further cemented Paul’s reputation as a legitimate competitor in the boxing world.
The judges scored the fight 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73 in favor of Paul, giving him a clear victory across all three cards. The matchup, which was sanctioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, was fought under unusual conditions. The two fighters engaged in 2-minute rounds instead of the traditional 3-minute rounds, and both wore 14-ounce gloves, heavier than the usual 10-ounce gloves used in heavyweight bouts.
Tyson, who at 58 is far past his prime, came into the fight with a storied legacy in the sport, but his age and long absence from the ring became apparent throughout the fight. Paul, at 27, was coming into the fight as the younger, more active fighter with a solid record in the ring, despite his unconventional path to boxing.
The two were originally set to meet on July 20, but the fight was postponed when Tyson experienced a health scare while traveling. He was forced to receive medical attention during a flight from Miami to Los Angeles in May after suffering an ulcer flare-up. Tyson’s medical setback led to a delay, but the bout was rescheduled for this past Friday, marking one of the most anticipated matchups of the year.
The fight was watched closely by fans and critics alike, as Tyson (50-7, 44 KOs) had once been the youngest heavyweight champion in history. Tyson achieved that feat at just 20 years old in 1986, and a year later, he unified the three major belts to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. Tyson’s reign as the most feared fighter in the world was legendary, and he made six successful title defenses before suffering a historic upset loss to James “Buster” Douglas in 1990 by a 10th-round knockout.
However, Tyson’s glory days are far behind him. Despite his years of dominance, Tyson’s performance against Paul showed that time has taken its toll on the once-great boxer. Tyson’s speed and power were noticeably diminished throughout the fight, and he appeared to struggle in the later rounds as Paul’s youthful energy and conditioning became more evident.
On the other hand, Paul (11-1, 7 KOs) has been steadily building his boxing career since making his debut in 2020. Initially criticized for his choice of opponents, Paul has steadily climbed the ranks, taking on former MMA fighters and athletes outside the boxing world. He won his first six matches, which included victories over opponents such as Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley. Paul’s only loss came against Tommy Fury in February 2023, but since then, he has bounced back with five consecutive wins, including the unanimous decision victory over Tyson.
Paul’s performance against Tyson on Friday night showcased his impressive boxing skills, especially in terms of his conditioning and ability to control the pace of the fight. Tyson, on the other hand, failed to generate any significant offense, and his age seemed to weigh on him as the rounds went by. Despite his early career accomplishments, Tyson simply couldn’t keep up with Paul’s youthful energy and steady technique, leading to the unanimous decision in Paul’s favor.
For Paul, this victory marks a key milestone in his boxing journey, proving that he can hold his own against an iconic figure in the sport. While Tyson’s age and long layoff were factors in the fight, Paul’s success against a former heavyweight champion is a significant achievement in his career. Many critics had written Paul off after his loss to Fury, but this victory over Tyson is sure to silence some of his detractors and solidify his place in the conversation as a serious fighter.
Looking ahead, Paul will undoubtedly continue to pursue more high-profile matchups. He has expressed interest in facing top-tier boxers, with potential future opponents including names like Canelo Álvarez, who is one of the biggest stars in the sport. If Paul continues to win and improve his skills, his path in boxing could become even more exciting in the coming years.
Tyson, meanwhile, faces more questions about his future in the sport. Despite his legendary status, his performance against Paul showed that he may no longer have the physical capabilities required to compete at the highest level. While Tyson remains an iconic figure in boxing history, his return to the ring against younger, faster opponents will likely be met with increasing scrutiny.
In the aftermath of the fight, Paul celebrated his victory, but the 27-year-old remains humble about his future in the sport. As a rising star in boxing, Paul will undoubtedly look to continue developing his skills and making waves in the heavyweight division. With the win over Tyson, Paul has solidified himself as one of the most intriguing figures in the sport, and fans are eagerly awaiting his next move.
For Tyson, Friday’s loss marks another chapter in his complex and storied career. While he remains an iconic figure in boxing history, the reality of his advancing years and physical limitations seem to have caught up with him in the ring against a much younger and more active fighter like Paul. The fight has added another layer to Tyson’s legacy and leaves many wondering what the future holds for one of the most polarizing figures in boxing.