Mon Nov 18 04:20:00 UTC 2024: ## YouTuber Boxer Jake Paul Wins Controversial Bout Against Aging Mike Tyson

**Dallas, TX** – Jake Paul defeated Mike Tyson by unanimous decision in an underwhelming eight-round fight Friday night, drawing a record-breaking 60 million households to Netflix, which streamed the event. While the fight shattered streaming records and dominated social media, generating an estimated 120 million viewers according to Paul, it received mixed reactions and harsh criticism for its quality.

The bout, held in front of over 70,000 fans at AT&T Stadium, pitted the YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul against the legendary Tyson, who hadn’t fought professionally in nearly 20 years. Tyson, 58, visibly struggled, throwing only 97 punches and landing a mere 18, while the younger, more athletic Paul secured the win.

The fight drew significant backlash. Boxing legends like Evander Holyfield and Magic Johnson criticized the match’s quality, with Johnson even turning it off, deeming it “sad.” Many commentators questioned the fairness of the matchup, noting Tyson’s age and the significant physical disparity between the two fighters. Former heavyweight champion Tony Bellew called for Paul to fight a “fit, healthy” opponent, not a “grandfather.” Olympic gold medalist Nicola Adams echoed similar sentiments, suggesting a prime Tyson would have easily defeated Paul.

Despite the criticism, the pre-fight hype mirrored a traditional boxing event, complete with verbal sparring and even a slap exchanged at the weigh-in. Paul himself acknowledged the mismatch, stating he prolonged the fight for the spectacle and to avoid injuring Tyson. This admission fueled further criticism. The fight was also plagued by technical issues on the Netflix stream, prompting numerous memes on social media.

The event’s co-main event, a classic bout between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, provided a stark contrast, showcasing high-level boxing skill.

Paul’s future plans include potential fights against Canelo Álvarez and Conor McGregor. Tyson, while expressing gratitude for the experience and denying any regrets, hasn’t officially announced his retirement, though he alluded to health struggles prior to the fight. His camp has yet to comment on his future in boxing.

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