The Paul vs. Tyson fight was one of the most anticipated events of the year.
The world excitedly waited for the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson’s fight which was broadcast live on Netflix on Nov. 15 pulling 60 million household viewers. The age difference makes the watch highly anticipated. The 58-year-old Tyson and 26-year-old Paul stepped into the ring promising a great performance, and that’s exactly what they delivered.
Jake Paul first came into the spotlight through his popularity on the platform YouTube. Sometimes running into controversy, but nevertheless bringing himself attention and growing his numbers. Over the past few years, he’s reinvented his image as a boxer. This transition first started in 2020 when he made his professional performance debut against fellow social media star, Ali Eson Gib, which he won by technical knockout. Since then, Jake has taken on more well-known opponents including former NBA player, Nate Robinson, and MMA fighters, Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley.
Mike Tyson undoubtedly has once been known as the heavyweight champion of the world, with his constant wins between 1985 and 1989. That’s 23 matches won. He dominated the world of boxing, becoming the youngest heavyweight champion at the age of 20. After many rounds in the ring, he retired from boxing in 2005. From then he grew his presence in pop culture through movies, documentaries and his own business. At 39 years old, he took an absence from competitive boxing, until questions emerged about whether Tyson still has what it takes to compete against Jake’s level.
The speculation first started early this year, 2024, when Jake Paul mentioned Mike Tyson in several interviews, explaining that he would be willing to come face- to-face in the ring. What sparked people’s attention was Jake’s confidence in performing against Tyson’s unmatched skills and legacy.
“I’ve beaten bigger, stronger, and more experienced fighters,” said Jake in an Instagram video posted earlier this year. “Tyson’s a legend, but legends get old. I think it’s time for a new era.”
Mike quickly replied with interest in the idea of a fight, but of course also had to face reality. Mike is 68 and hasn’t been in the ring for live television since 2005. “Jake’s got guts, I’ll give him that, but let’s be clear, I’m not here to play. If I fight, it’ll be because I’m in shape and ready to do what I do best,” Tyson said.
Both fighters came out strong and confident, but as the fight went along, Tyson was losing his grip. After both fighters went the full eight rounds, each being two minutes long, Jake Paul won by unanimous decision. “This is one of those situations when you lost but still won. I’m grateful for last night. No regrets to get in the ring one last time,” Tyson said on social media platform X. After the decision was announced, the two fighters hugged showing their excellent sportsmanship.
“I think it was revolutionary, honestly. I think that it’s really sad that Mike lost. I mean times are tough, but things get better,” said Lexi Engelberger (11).