But the boxing legend Mike Tyson is back with a bang as he faced Jake Paul, who is also a youtuber-turned-boxer (and one of the greatest was NOT) yet this match soon developed into such famous boxing event of this year. The 58-year-old ultimately fell to his opponent but not without a fight, losing in a unanimous decision after an eight-round match — and just hours later told press he had no regrets and that he “lost but won anyway.” It broke Netflix’s viewership record in two days with the boxing legends return.
Fight Recap: Tyson vs. Paul
Jake Paul claimed victory with a score of 79-73, dominating the second half of the fight after initially facing Tyson’s early intensity. The 27-year-old leveraged his youth and agility to control the match from the third round onward, preventing Tyson from finding his rhythm. Despite the loss, Tyson managed to go the distance, a feat that resonated with fans as a testament to his resilience and experience.
Tyson’s age and extended hiatus from professional fighting were visible factors in his performance. Though he wasn’t in peak form, Tyson’s fighting spirit was unmistakable, pushing through eight rounds in what he later described as a “life-threatening” endeavor.
The Afterparty: Jake Paul’s Victory Celebration
Following the win, Paul didn’t just go home with bragging rights—he threw a lavish afterparty at a $9-million mansion in Dallas, attended by celebrities like Amber Rose, Dez Bryant, and even his brother, Logan Paul. The celebration featured an open bar with high-end spirits, a DJ spinning hip-hop and EDM tracks, and a larger-than-life robot busting out dance moves among the guests. Hosted by his betting company Betr and Passes, the event epitomized Paul’s flashy persona and desire to celebrate in style.
Tyson’s Reflection: “No Regrets” After Loss
While Tyson might have taken an “L” on paper, he considers this fight a personal victory. Reflecting on the event, Tyson said, “I almost died…but I’m here, and I have no regrets.” This fight marked his first professional matchup in nearly two decades, with his last bout in 2005. Though he returned to the ring in an exhibition fight against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020, the stakes in his fight against Paul were significantly higher.
Tyson shared that he credits his comeback to a unique experience with toad venom. “It was like God spoke to me and told me to return to the ring one last time.” This unusual spiritual experience pushed him to return to a sport that made him an icon, and for Tyson, stepping into the ring one last time was more about purpose than victory.
Netflix’s Foray into Live Sports
Netflix marked a successful entry into live sports streaming with the Tyson vs. Paul fight, drawing an audience of over 65 million viewers globally. While the streaming giant celebrated this achievement, the debut was not without hiccups. Technical issues plagued many users, with over 90,000 reports of frozen screens, buffering problems, and server connection errors. The streaming giant apologized and resolved the issues within six hours, but the glitches didn’t overshadow the event’s success.
In addition to the main event, a co-main bout featuring Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano also attracted a massive audience, with nearly 50 million viewers, potentially making it one of the most-watched women’s sports events in the U.S.
What Did the Fans Think?
The fight polarized fans and boxing critics. Eddie Hearn, a British promoter, expressed concern about the risks involved in pitting a 58-year-old Tyson against the younger and more agile Paul. “It’s a dangerous fight,” he said. “Tyson’s a legend, but he shouldn’t be in the ring at his age. Everyone wants a dollar, but some things aren’t worth the risk.” While Hearn’s concerns echoed the sentiment of many, fans worldwide tuned in, eager to witness this unusual bout between a seasoned boxing legend and a social media personality-turned-boxer.
FAQs
Jake Paul won by a unanimous decision with a score of 79-73 after eight rounds.
Tyson expressed no regrets, stating he felt like he “lost but still won” and was glad to return to the ring despite his age.
The event attracted 65 million viewers, marking a success for Netflix’s debut in live sports streaming, despite some technical issues.
Paul hosted an extravagant afterparty at a mansion in Dallas, featuring celebrity guests, premium drinks, a DJ, and even a dancing robot.
Yes, several promoters and fans raised concerns, questioning the safety of Tyson’s participation at 58 years old.
Conclusion: Tyson’s Legacy, Paul’s Rise, and Netflix’s Big Win
The Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight proved to be an event that captivated audiences worldwide, showcasing the contrasting worlds of an old-school boxing legend and a social media powerhouse. While Tyson may have taken a loss, his resilience and determination to get back into the ring inspired fans, reinforcing his legacy as one of boxing’s all-time greats. Meanwhile, Jake Paul celebrated his victory with typical bravado, cementing his position in the boxing world and proving he can draw a crowd.
Netflix’s successful foray into live sports shows that they’re poised to disrupt the sports streaming industry. With 65 million viewers tuning in and some of the biggest names attending, Netflix demonstrated its ability to pull off large-scale live events—though it will need to refine its technical delivery for future broadcasts.
As the dust settles, the Tyson-Paul showdown remains a testament to how boxing continues to evolve, blending nostalgia with new-age charisma. Tyson may have lost in the ring, but his return to the sport left an indelible mark on fans and critics alike. Meanwhile, Jake Paul’s journey from YouTube stardom to a successful boxing career has reached new heights, and it seems both fighters walked away with a win, one way or another.
