Mike Tyson’s highly publicized return to the boxing ring on Friday night ended in a unanimous decision loss to YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, marking a disappointing conclusion to the 58-year-old former heavyweight champion’s first professional bout in 19 years.
The fight, held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, drew a massive crowd of 72,300 fans but failed to deliver the excitement many hoped for.
The event began with controversy during a pre-fight interview streamed on Netflix, where Tyson unexpectedly revealed his bare buttocks while walking away from the camera.
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The moment, shared widely on social media, drew mixed reactions.
Netflix itself leaned into the viral moment, posting on its X account, “Mike Tyson’s pre-fight interview got real cheeky.”
Mike Tyson's pre-fight interview got real cheeky. #PaulTyson pic.twitter.com/xPR3L0R9C0
— Netflix (@netflix) November 16, 2024
However, the streaming platform faced its own issues, with over 88,000 users reporting technical difficulties during the event, according to Down Detector.
Netflix I’m shorting your stock on Monday #NetflixFight pic.twitter.com/TomqT2LLWt
— McKenna (@candidlymckenna) November 16, 2024
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Once in the ring, Tyson struggled against the 27-year-old Paul, who controlled the fight after an initial burst of aggression from Tyson in the opening round.
The judges scored the fight 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73, all in favor of Paul.
While Tyson briefly put Paul on the defensive in the first round, his energy waned quickly.
By the second round, Paul began to dominate, landing significant punches and forcing Tyson onto his back foot.
According to post-fight statistics, Paul threw 278 punches, landing 78, compared to Tyson’s 97 punches, with only 18 connecting.
Tyson’s lack of speed, balance, and endurance was evident throughout the bout, leaving many fans disappointed.
“I didn’t prove nothing to anybody, only to myself,” Tyson said after the fight. “I’m not one of those guys that looks to please the world. I’m just happy with what I can do.”
Paul, who improved his professional record to 11-1 with the victory, praised Tyson as a legend but acknowledged the mismatch. “He is exactly what I thought,” Paul said. “He’s an icon. He’s a legend. I wanted to give fans a show. But I didn’t want to hurt someone who didn’t need to be hurt.”
The fight’s outcome continues a downward trajectory for Tyson, who had won just five of his last 12 fights before retiring in 2005.
After his final loss to Kevin McBride, Tyson admitted his heart was no longer in the sport. “I don’t have the guts to be in this sport anymore,” Tyson said at the time. “I don’t want to disrespect the sport that I love.”
Despite the lackluster action in the ring, the event was a financial success.
The gate revenue surpassed $17.8 million, making it the largest boxing gate outside Las Vegas in U.S. history.
Tyson is expected to earn $20 million from the fight, while Paul is set to bring in $40 million.
While Tyson hinted at the possibility of another fight, saying, “Maybe [I’ll fight] his brother,” the crowd’s reaction suggested otherwise.
By the end of the fight, boos filled the stadium as fans expressed frustration with the lack of action and Tyson’s diminished performance.
The crowd loudly boo dull fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson 😳 #PaulTyson pic.twitter.com/5BwJPrnqR0
— Sun Sport (@SunSport) November 16, 2024
If this marks the end of Tyson’s storied career, his last impression will be of a once-dominant champion defeated by a social media personality.
For Paul, the victory adds to his record but does little to solidify his standing among traditional boxing enthusiasts.
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It is obvious that Boxing has had its day . A gladiatorial spectacle that belongs to the past just as Tyson does . A 50+ individual ,no matter what his past credentials climbing into the ring with an ex 28 yr old social media personality turned boxer ? One can tell it is not about the sport but rather the money . Tyson to get 20 million ? Guess he blew the income from his prime , and it was considerable being the big shot arrogant clown he always was . Rude , Crude and Sociably , Unacceptable ! As for his bare buttocks episode , you can bet your bottom dollar it was planned and no accident .