Jake Paul, the YouTuber-turned-boxer, secured a lackluster points victory over boxing legend Mike Tyson in a highly publicized bout that left fans disappointed. Held in Texas before a crowd of 70,000 and millions streaming on Netflix, the fight fell short of the high expectations surrounding it.
The 58-year-old Tyson, competing for the first time in nearly two decades, struggled to keep up with the 27-year-old Paul. The younger, more agile fighter used his reach and stamina to control the eight-round match, which featured two-minute rounds. Paul’s consistent jabs and accurate strikes dominated the fight, while Tyson appeared sluggish and far removed from his prime.
The crowd, which initially greeted Tyson with thunderous applause, grew restless as the fight progressed. By the time the final bell rang, many fans voiced their displeasure with loud boos, and some left the venue before the judges announced the unanimous decision. Paul won with scores of 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73.
In a post-fight interview, Tyson, now with seven professional losses in his 57-bout career, suggested he might return to the ring and even called out Paul’s brother, Logan. However, his performance raised doubts about the seriousness of his intentions.
The Texas commission, which sanctioned the bout as a professional fight, imposed conditions including heavier gloves with extra padding. Yet, even with lighter gloves, the fight lacked intensity, with no moments hinting at a knockout. Tyson landed a mere 18 punches throughout the fight, compared to Paul’s 78.
Paul, who rose to fame through social media and prank videos before transitioning to boxing, celebrated his 11th professional win. The victory comes after his loss to Tommy Fury last year. In typical fashion, Paul used the post-fight spotlight to challenge Mexican boxing star Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
“He knows where the money is at,” Paul said confidently, signaling his ambition to take on one of boxing’s elite.
Despite the buzz surrounding the event, the bout did little to enhance either fighter’s reputation, leaving fans questioning the legitimacy and purpose of such spectacles.
SOURCE: BBC
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