Jake Paul beat Mike Tyson in their long-anticipated boxing match on Friday, Nov. 15. The match drew millions of viewers worldwide, marking one of Netflix‘s most-watched live sporting events and setting new records for combat sports streaming.
The 27-year-old YouTube star had a resounding victory over the 58-year-old former world heavyweight champion, winning with a unanimous decision after eight rounds. Paul’s record improved to 10-1 with this victory, while Tyson’s professional record stands at 50-6. The judges’ scorecards reflected Paul’s dominance throughout the fight, with all three scoring heavily in his favor.
The pair were originally due to face off in July, but it was postponed after Tyson was rushed to hospital with an ulcer flare-up.
Their bout, which was livestreamed on Netflix, finally went ahead at the AT&T Stadium, in Arlington, Texas, with Paul’s youth too much for Tyson. The stadium, which can hold up to 80,000 spectators, has hosted numerous high-profile boxing matches since its opening in 2009. The venue reported near-capacity attendance for this historic matchup.
“I’m bringing the devil himself [to the ring],” said Tyson, who was returning to the ring after a 19-year absence. “There are no feelings attached. My own mother should be very careful if she has to get in the ring with me. When it’s over, it’s over. But while the process is going on, my intention is to hurt him. I hope he has the same intentions, or he is in trouble.”
Tyson’s last professional fight was against Kevin McBride in 2005, where he retired on his stool after six rounds.
Despite calling Paul a “friend,” Tyson slapped his opponent in a tense final face-off before their bout after he “stepped on [his] toes.” The pre-fight tension echoed similar historical boxing moments, including the infamous Tyson-Lewis press conference brawl in 2002, which resulted in a $335,000 fine for Tyson.
Paul, “The Problem Child,” and Tyson, the self-proclaimed “Baddest Man on the Planet,” locked eyes before Tyson gave Paul an early hit when he smacked him across the face at the weigh-in at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory, in Irving, Texas. The venue, known for hosting various entertainment events, has a capacity of 8,000 people and was filled to the brim with media and fans eager to witness the weigh-in spectacle.
The ‘cute slap’
After security jumped in, Paul hit back at his “cute slap” by warning Tyson he would be “getting knocked the f—- out” in the ring. The exchange quickly went viral on social media, generating millions of views within hours and becoming the top trending topic on multiple platforms.
“I was in my socks and he had on shoes. He stepped on my toe … I wanted to think it happened by accident,” Tyson revealed after the heated exchange, speaking to The New York Post newspaper. “But now I think it may have happened on purpose. I was in a lot of pain. I had to reciprocate.”
This incident added to Tyson’s long history of controversial fight moments, including his infamous ear-biting incident with Evander Holyfield in 1997, which resulted in his boxing license being revoked.
The matchup represented a 31-year age gap between the fighters, one of the largest age differences in boxing history for a high-profile bout. Paul’s victory further solidified his legitimacy in the boxing world, while Tyson’s performance demonstrated his enduring appeal in the sport despite his advanced age.
Eight-figure paydays for Paul and Tyson?
The fight generated substantial betting interest, with oddsmakers initially favoring Tyson despite the age difference. The purse for the fight was reportedly one of the largest in boxing history for an exhibition match, with both fighters expected to earn eight-figure paydays.
The success of the event on Netflix’s platform marks a significant shift in how combat sports are consumed, potentially paving the way for more streaming-exclusive boxing events in the future. Medical professionals were on standby throughout the event, with both fighters undergoing extensive pre-fight medical screenings given the unique nature of the matchup.
