YouTube star turned boxer Jake Paul triumphed over former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson by unanimous decision in an eight-round heavyweight bout at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. All three judges scored the match in favor of Paul, with tallying of 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73.
The contest, sanctioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, featured two-minute rounds and had both fighters wearing 14-ounce gloves, which are heavier than the standard 10-ounce gloves typically used in heavyweight competition.
The highly anticipated matchup was originally slated for July 20 but was postponed when Tyson, 58, required medical attention for an ulcer flare-up during a flight from Miami to Los Angeles.
Mike Tyson, known for becoming the youngest heavyweight champion at just 20 years old in 1986, held onto that title with a historic run, unifying all three major belts and defending them six times until facing an unexpected defeat against James “Buster” Douglas in February 1990.
Meanwhile, Jake Paul, who has made a name for himself in boxing since starting his career in 2020, notched his 11th win with this match, having a professional record of 11-1 with seven knockouts. After suffering his only loss to Tommy Fury in February 2023, Paul has bounced back impressively, winning five consecutive fights, including today’s decision over Tyson.
This match showcases not just the surprising positions of both fighters in the boxing world, but also how the sport is evolving through the crossover of social media personalities. Jake Paul’s victory emphasizes the growing recognition of influencer boxers as formidable competitors in a traditionally established sport.
The hopeful takeaway is that as more crossover athletes enter the ring, boxing can attract younger audiences, sparking new interest and rejuvenating the sport’s legacy.
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