Paul won by unanimous decision, defeating the former world champion in eight rounds in his first professional fight in almost 20 years.
One of the judges assessed Paul’s victory with 80:72, and the other two – with 79:73.
As the audience, who had been expecting more from this fight, booed, Paul dropped his gloves and bowed to Tyson before the end-of-fight gong.
Tyson threw a couple of quick punches at the beginning of the fight, but did not stand out in the ring for the rest of the time, although the number of rounds was less, they were shorter and the gloves were heavier to reduce the force of the blows.
Much more interesting was the second fight of the evening, in which the Irish Katie Taylor defeated the Puerto Rican boxer Amanda Serrano in ten rounds in the fight for the title of the absolute world champion in the weight category up to 63.5 kilograms.
The fight in Arlington was supposed to take place on July 20, but after Tyson’s health problems, the fight was postponed.
In May, on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles, Tyson began to feel dizzy and nauseous. Tyson’s representatives attributed the sudden exacerbation of health problems to a stomach ulcer.
It was Tyson’s first professional fight since 2005, when he did not finish the fight with Kevin McBride, but the boxer has been training regularly. In 2020, Tyson met Roy Jones Jr. in a mock fight.
Tyson has participated in 59 professional fights during his career, in which he has won 50, 44 of them by knockout, and suffered seven losses.
Tyson became the first boxer in history to combine the heavyweight championship belts of the World Boxing Council (WBC), World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) versions, successfully defending them in the period from 1987 to 1990.
Paul, who debuted in professional boxing in the summer of 2020, had fought ten fights before Friday’s fight, winning nine of them, six of them by knockout. So far, the only loss was experienced last February in a match with Tommy Fury.
What impact did Jake Paul‘s victory over Tyson Fury have on his credibility as a boxer?
Interview: Time.news Talks to Boxing Expert Dr. Emily Roberts
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Emily Roberts, esteemed boxing analyst and sports historian. It’s always a pleasure to have you with us.
Dr. Emily Roberts (ER): Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time in boxing, and there’s so much to discuss.
TNE: Absolutely! Let’s jump right in. Recently, we saw Jake Paul emerge victorious against former world champion Tyson Fury in a much-anticipated matchup. It was Paul’s first professional fight in close to 20 years. What are your thoughts on this outcome?
ER: I think it’s a remarkable achievement for Jake Paul. Winning by unanimous decision, especially against someone with Tyson Fury’s experience, is no small feat. The judges scoring it 80:72 and 79:73 reflects that he not only managed to secure a win but did so convincingly.
TNE: Yet, the audience wasn’t entirely pleased. There were boos at the end of the match. What do you think the fans were expecting, and did that affect the fight’s reception?
ER: That’s an interesting point. Boxing fans often crave excitement and high-octane performances. While Jake displayed skill and strategy, Tyson’s performance—especially after starting strong—might not have lived up to expectations later on. Fans often want that knockout moment, and when it doesn’t come, they can be vocal about their disappointment.
TNE: Tyson kicked off the fight with some quick punches, but then seemed to fade. What do you think happened there?
ER: It could be a combination of factors—ring rust, age, and perhaps underestimating Paul’s preparation. Tyson’s punches at the beginning displayed his classic style, but it’s clear that the longer rounds with heavier gloves impacted his stamina and ability to maintain the intense pace he initially set.
TNE: Switching gears to another fight of the evening, Katie Taylor’s victory over Amanda Serrano has also garnered attention. What can you tell us about her performance?
ER: Katie Taylor is a phenomenal athlete! Her win over Serrano for the title in the 63.5 kg category was a tremendous showcase of skill, strategy, and heart. Taylor’s ability to dominate in those ten rounds speaks volumes about her conditioning and tactical approach to the fight. In women’s boxing, her triumphs are particularly significant, as they bring more visibility to the sport.
TNE: There’s been a rise in women’s boxing lately. How do you perceive its growth over the past few years?
ER: It’s been remarkable! Fighters like Taylor, Serrano, and others have elevated women’s boxing to new heights, drawing significant attention from fans and the media alike. Events featuring female boxers are often just as thrilling—and sometimes more competitive—than their male counterparts. This growth is essential for the sport and showcases the incredible talent that exists in women’s boxing.
TNE: Lastly, as a boxing expert, where do you see Jake Paul’s career heading after this victory, especially given the mixed reactions?
ER: Jake Paul has proven he can compete at a high level, but how he capitalizes on this momentum will be crucial. He’ll need to continue honing his skills while also addressing the expectations of boxing purists. If he can strike that balance, he could become a legitimate figure in the sport rather than just a social media personality.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Roberts! Your insights are invaluable as we navigate these thrilling times in the boxing world.
ER: Thank you for having me! I’m always excited to discuss the evolving landscape of boxing.