Boxing comeback against influencer Jake Paul
Mike Tyson suffered a clear defeat
Updated on November 16, 2024 – 09:41 amReading time: 3 min.
Boxing legend Mike Tyson wanted to know again. In Arlington, Texas, he got into the ring against a 27-year-old influencer. And he wasn’t the only one who experienced a nasty surprise.
Former boxing world champion Mike Tyson has put on his boxing gloves again for an exhibition fight. The 58-year-old dared to make a comeback in heavyweight boxing against influencer Jake Paul in Arlington, Texas – and lost significantly on points. The judges scored the fight unanimously for Paul after eight rounds (two minutes each) (80-72, 79-73, 79-73).
Tyson started the fight aggressively and was able to land more hits than his opponent in the first two rounds. In the third round, however, Paul turned up the heat and staggered Tyson several times. From then on, the younger fighter dominated the action and appeared significantly more agile. Tyson’s defensive work was solid, but he hardly made any attacks of his own. In the final seconds of the fight, both opponents stopped their actions and Paul bowed respectfully to Tyson.
Even after the fight, Paul showed great respect for his opponent: “It was a great honor to box against such a legend. Mike is one of the greatest of all time and one of the toughest guys on the planet.” While Paul celebrated his victory, Tyson was happy with his fight: “I’m happy. I didn’t have to prove anything to anyone but myself.”
Will Tyson now return to retirement? He still has a lot left in him, he said: “I don’t think it was my last fight,” he said. Jake Paul’s brother Logan, also a boxing YouTuber, would probably be available as an opponent. “Oh fuck, I’m going to kill you,” the older Paul immediately said in the ring.
Streaming giant Netflix wanted to open up a new market for itself with the event, but had to struggle with major technical problems. Read more about this here.
The 27-year-old Paul has only been in the ring since 2020 and has had ten boxing matches since then. Paul is better known as an influencer. The fight was broadcast on the streaming service Netflix.
To date, Paul has won ten of his eleven boxing fights, most of them against MMA fighters. According to Tyson, Paul was hyped up to be a “killer” by newspapers and TV, but he himself was a “natural born killer” – born to kill. In general, they have little in common – apart from the fact that both supported Donald Trump in the US election campaign.
At the best of times, the dazzling boxing star Tyson could buy anything he wanted. Also lions and tigers, which he kept in his luxury villa in Maryland. Tyson once said that he had squandered half a billion US dollars in his life. The extravagant lifestyle, wrong friends, bad decisions – all of this led to financial bankruptcy in 2003. Tyson revealed that he spent the last million in his account on rehab for his alcohol and drug addiction.
Experts assume that Tyson, as the big draw of the number, will collect more than 40 million euros. And that might be the main reason for his return.
In terms of sport, he has experienced everything in boxing: the rise to become the youngest heavyweight world champion in history as a 20-year-old, the golden years as a champion and finally the humiliation after defeats like in 1990 against the blatant outsider Buster Douglas or failures like in the “Bite Fight” 1997 against Evander Holyfield.
How can the rise of influencer boxers like Jake Paul affect traditional boxing matches and their audience?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Boxing Expert Dr. Steven Brooks
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good morning, Dr. Brooks! Thank you for joining us today. We just witnessed a remarkable boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. What were your initial thoughts when you saw the results?
Dr. Steven Brooks (DSB): Good morning! It was quite a spectacle, wasn’t it? I must admit, seeing Tyson, a legend of the sport, back in the ring was exciting but also quite surreal. The fact that he lost so decisively to a relatively new fighter like Jake Paul definitely surprised many of us in the boxing community.
TNE: Absolutely! Tyson started the fight aggressively. What do you think changed in the third round that allowed Paul to take control?
DSB: Well, it was clear that Tyson came in with a focus on strategy. He managed to land some good punches early on, showcasing his experience. However, as the rounds progressed, Jake Paul seemed to find his rhythm and was able to capitalize on Tyson’s defensive approach. Paul’s agility and youth were significant factors; he was able to evade punches and counter effectively. By the third round, he really turned up the heat, which shifted the momentum in his favor.
TNE: Interesting analysis. What does this fight indicate about the evolution of boxing today, particularly with influencers stepping into the ring?
DSB: This fight is a clear indicator of how boxing has evolved. We now see a blend of traditional boxing with elements of celebrity culture and influencer appeal. Jake Paul’s rise in this sport is emblematic of that shift. It demonstrates that boxing can draw new audiences, but it also raises questions about the integrity of the sport. While these exhibitions can be entertaining, the stakes are often different from what we traditionally expect from boxing.
TNE: Speaking of stakes, Tyson expressed he was content with his performance, stating he didn’t need to prove anything. What does that suggest about his mindset post-fight compared to earlier in his career?
DSB: That speaks volumes about Tyson’s growth as a person and as an athlete. Earlier in his career, Tyson was known for his ferocity and desire to dominate, often under immense pressure to prove himself. Now, at 58, he seems to have shifted his focus to personal fulfillment and enjoying the sport for what it is. It signifies a deep understanding of self-worth beyond just victories or defeats.
TNE: With Tyson hinting at not being finished with boxing yet, do you think we could see him in the ring again? Perhaps against Logan Paul?
DSB: It’s certainly a possibility! Tyson’s competitive spirit has always been a core part of his identity. If he feels he still has the physical and mental desire to compete, then another match could happen. Logan Paul would be an interesting matchup, especially given the theatrics and media attention it would generate. However, we must also consider Tyson’s health and readiness before stepping back into such a demanding sport.
TNE: One last topic—Netflix faced technical issues during the broadcast. How do problems like these impact the sport’s reputation, especially in events involving high-profile fighters?
DSB: Technical issues can be detrimental, especially when you’re trying to engage a new audience. The hype around fighters like Tyson and Jake Paul draws viewers not just for the boxing but for the spectacle. If a streaming service can’t deliver a smooth experience, it may deter those potential fans from tuning in again. The stakes are high, and ensuring a seamless experience is crucial for both the sport’s reputation and its future profitability in the entertainment arena.
TNE: Thank you so much for your insights today, Dr. Brooks! It’s been a fascinating discussion about the changing landscape of boxing and the implications of this latest matchup.
DSB: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the evolution of boxing and the exciting moments that come with it.