Jake Paul defeated boxing legend Mike Tyson on points in an underwhelming fight on Friday, marking an unsuccessful return to the ring for the 58-year-old former heavyweight champion.
The eight-round bout, held at AT&T Stadium in front of 70,000 fans and millions of Netflix viewers, saw the 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer secure a win despite widespread criticism for choosing to fight an opponent who had not competed professionally in 19 years.
The match, originally scheduled for July, was delayed after Tyson suffered an ulcer flare-up during a flight in May.
Tyson, 58, made his first professional appearance since 2005. The fight moved Paul to an 11-1 record, adding to his wins against MMA fighters and lesser-known boxers.
The match began with Tyson chasing Paul and landing solid jabs, forcing the younger fighter to clinch repeatedly. Fans booed as the action slowed, though Tyson showed flashes of his trademark head movement.
In the second round, Paul landed body shots and a hook, while Tyson responded with a clean shot of his own. Paul gained momentum in the third, landing combinations that appeared to trouble Tyson.
As the fight progressed, Tyson’s activity dropped, while Paul stayed busy with jabs and occasional combinations. Fans grew restless, with boos echoing through the arena in the later rounds. Tyson had brief moments, landing a left hook in the fourth and again in the final round, but Paul stayed in control.
By the end of the eight-round fight, Paul was declared the winner, but many fans had already left AT&T Stadium, disappointed by the lack of excitement.
