In a much-talked-about boxing match, former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson managed to land just 18 punches against Jake Paul on Friday.
The 27-year-old YouTuber, Paul, triumphed over the 58-year-old Tyson after eight rounds, each lasting two minutes. This marked Tyson’s return to the professional boxing scene since his retirement in 2005, although he did participate in an exhibition fight against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020.
Viewers on Netflix observed that Paul seemed to be holding back, and he later confessed that his intention was to ‘hurt’ Tyson ‘a little bit’.
This strategic approach was sufficient for Paul, the former Disney Channel star, to secure his victory.
Paul entered the bout as the favorite to win, with projections of earning $40 million, whereas Tyson was expected to take home $20 million.
Consequently, Tyson’s professional record now stands at 50 wins and 7 losses.
According to fight statistics from USA Today Sports, Tyson initially appeared stronger, quickly moving to the center of the ring and landing an overhand right. However, Paul made Tyson pursue him around the ring, possibly as a tactic to tire out the older fighter, who is 31 years his senior.
Round 1: Tyson 9, Paul 8
Round 2: Tyson 17, Paul 16
Round 3: Paul 25, Tyson 24
Round 4: Paul 33, Tyson 32
Round 5: Paul 43, Tyson 41
Round 6: Paul 53, Tyson 50
Round 7: Paul 63, Tyson 59
Round 8: Paul 73, Tyson 68
Despite the loss, Tyson hinted that this might not be his final appearance in the ring.
When asked if this would be his last fight, Tyson responded post-match: “I don’t know. It depends on the situation.
“I don’t think so,” he reiterated.
He also commended Paul’s performance, calling him a ‘good fighter’.
“I didn’t prove nothing to anyone, just myself,” Tyson added.
“I’m not one of these guys who goes out to please the world, I’m just happy with what I can do.”
After the fight, Paul addressed questions about whether he was ‘pulling’ punches.
“I was scared he was going to hurt me, I was trying to hurt him,” Paul explained.
When asked if he eased up in the later rounds, Paul admitted: “Yeah, definitely, definitely a bit. I wanted to give the fans a show, but I didn’t want [to hurt him].”
Paul expressed that it was an ‘honor’ to face Tyson and referred to him as an ‘icon’.
The fight took place at AT&T Stadium in Texas and was available for streaming on Netflix.