The highly anticipated boxing match between Mike Tyson, the 58-year-old former heavyweight champion, and Jake Paul, the 27-year-old social media star-turned-boxer, concluded with Paul emerging victorious through a unanimous decision after eight intense rounds on November 15, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The fight, streamed live on Netflix, experienced early technical issues that disrupted the broadcast for many viewers but were resolved by the second round. Paul maintained dominance throughout the match, leveraging his youth and stamina to outmaneuver the boxing legend. His victory elevated his professional boxing record to 11-1, solidifying his position in the sport.
Pre-Fight Tensions and Dramatic Weigh-In
The buildup to the fight was marked by bold statements and a heated incident during the ceremonial weigh-in on November 14. Tyson, known for his ferocious approach in the ring, confidently declared his intentions.
“I’m bringing the devil himself [to the ring]. 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,” Tyson stated in an interview with ESPN.
Jake Paul, however, welcomed Tyson’s intensity, asserting his readiness to face the veteran.
“Yeah, it’s cute. I fear no man. I want him to be that old savage Mike. He says he’s going to kill me. I’m ready. I want the hardest match possible Friday night,” Paul said during the final pre-fight press conference.
The tension escalated during the weigh-in when Paul stepped on Tyson’s foot, provoking Tyson to slap him across the face. The incident required security intervention, further fueling excitement for the match. Paul later responded humorously on social media, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “This is a pinch-me moment. I got slapped by Mike Tyson.”
The Fight and Key Moments
Despite the dramatic pre-fight events, both fighters showcased professionalism in the ring. Tyson, who referred to Paul as a “friend” outside of the competitive arena, struggled to match Paul’s agility and endurance. The younger fighter capitalized on his superior fitness, landing powerful punches in the second round and maintaining control for the remainder of the bout. According to Sports Illustrated, these decisive strikes early in the fight significantly impacted Tyson’s performance.
Netflix’s temporary technical issues during the live stream did not overshadow the action in the ring, with viewers catching the pivotal moments starting from the second round. Tyson’s performance, while commendable for his age, was not enough to secure victory against Paul’s relentless offense.
The match, originally scheduled for July, had been postponed after Tyson suffered a health setback due to an ulcer flare-up. The delay provided Paul additional preparation time, during which he drew inspiration from Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback.
“It’s cliché, but there’s a reason he’s the best. He continues to win and continues to show up and be a leader. His focus is something that I admire,” Paul said in an interview with PEOPLE.
For more updates on Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, tune in to Vviptimes.
Sources:
PEOPLE, Sports Illustrated, USA Today, ESPN