Social media star Jake Paul defeated legendary boxer Mike Tyson via unanimous decision late Friday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in one of the most improbable matchups in the sport’s history.
All three judges ruled the fight in favor of Paul, with scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73.The win improves Paul’s professional record to 11-1 while dropping Tyson to 50-7.
“He’s exactly what I thought, one of the greatest to ever do it,” Paul said after the fight.
After a first round that saw Tyson aggressive, his age caught up to him. Tyson appeared slow for most of the fight and barely landed any significant punches. His offensive output dropped considerably from the mid-rounds on. The much younger Paul peppered his opponent with jabs and hooks throughout the bout while taking little damage.
Millions tuned in to the fight as it broadcast live from the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, live on streaming platform Netflix.
It was a first of its kind boxing event for Netflix, organised by Paul’s company Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), with eight fights in total taking place in the centre of the stadium that is home to the Dallas Cowboys.
Already tonight, some fans have endured streaming problems while trying to get the fight up, while millions at home were treated, or jump-scared, to Tyson’s bare a** in his locker room following a pre-fight interview.
Rescheduled from 20 July, it was originally called off due to serious health problems suffered by Tyson, 58, while on a plane.
Paul, 27, pocketed $40m (£31.1m) from the fight with Tyson taking home roughly $20m (£15.4m).
“I’m here to make $40m and knock out a legend,” Paul had boldly said before the bout.
Going into the fight, Paul was the bookies’ favourite, odds on at 2/5. Tyson was placed at 12/5 with a draw priced at 9/1.
Before the big fight (Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Netflix)
Rules for the fight differed to normal professional bouts sanctioned by boxing federations, with 14oz gloves instead of 10z, two-minute rounds instead of three-minute, and eight rounds instead of the usual 12.
Heading in to the fight, Paul boasted a 10-1 record, with his only loss coming against Tommy Fury. Iron Mike, who hadn’t fought professionally in 20 years, had a 50-6-2 record.
