Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor
The worlds of modern entertainment and traditional boxing collided on the night of Nov. 15, 2024. Social media star Jake Paul faced off against Mike Tyson, a boxing legend, in one of the most highly anticipated fights in recent history.
In most people’s minds, Tyson’s name goes hand and hand with the sport of boxing. Born in Brooklyn in 1966, Tyson had a troubled youth but found a purpose in boxing. Under the wing of legendary trainer Cus D’Amato, Tyson’s career began to skyrocket. By age 20, Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history, capturing the WBC title in 1986.
Nicknamed “Iron Mike,” Tyson was feared for his brutal knockouts and excessive aggression. His career record includes 50 wins, 44 by knockout and only six losses. Despite his success, Tyson’s journey was followed by controversy, including legal troubles and public meltdowns that negatively affected his reputation. He retired from boxing in 2005 but made a surprising return in 2020 for an exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr., which sparked a new interest in the once-retired fighter.
Unlike Tyson, Jake Paul’s rise to fame came from the entertainment industry. Born in Ohio in 1997, Paul gained notoriety as a Disney Channel star and then became a YouTuber before pivoting to boxing in 2018 as a way to expand his name and take on new challenges. His journey into the ring was initially perceived as a joke, but Paul quickly proved himself as a skilled, disciplined fighter. His journey began with a widely publicized fight against YouTuber Deji Olatunji, the brother of famous influencer KSI, which took place on the undercard of the KSI vs. Logan Paul fight. Paul ended up winning the match, which motivated him to pursue the sport even more. He eventually transitioned to professional boxing in 2020, defeating YouTuber AnEsonGib in his debut fight. Paul began taking part in intense training regimes, working with professional trainers and sparring with established fighters. He has since fought and defeated multiple opponents, including former MMA champions, solidifying his position as a controversial yet influential figure in the boxing world. Going into the fight vs Tyson, Paul held a professional record of 10-1.
The announcement of the Tyson-Paul fight in March 2024 sparked debates across the sports world. For fans of traditional boxing, a 58-year-old Tyson stepping into the ring against a 27-year-old social media star was unimaginable. On the other hand, Paul’s supporters praised the fight, egging on the other side.
Initially scheduled for July 20, the fight faced delays due to Tyson’s health issues. The fight was then rescheduled for Nov. 15 and was billed as a professional match. Adding to the hype, Netflix secured exclusive streaming rights, allowing them to broadcast the fight to their subscribers.
With a crowd of 75,000 in attendance and millions watching online, the stage was set for a showdown between past and present. The eight-round match featured two-minute rounds and heavier gloves — a safety measure given Tyson’s age and the nature of the exhibition.
From the opening bell, it became clear that time had taken its toll on Tyson. His once lightning-fast combinations were visibly slower, even though his boxing IQ and footwork stayed the same. Paul was able to capitalize on his youth, using his speed and stamina to control the pace of the fight.
While Tyson landed a few shots, Paul’s consistent jabs earned him the upper hand. The fight ended with a unanimous decision in Paul’s favor, with judges scoring the match 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73. Paul went on to celebrate the victory as the “most significant achievement of his career,” while Tyson thankfully acknowledged the outcome.
Days after the fight, Tyson let the world know that he had undergone serious health struggles leading up to the event, including significant weight loss and multiple blood transfusions. This gave context to his performance, showcasing the physical toll boxing takes on aging athletes.
Due to technical issues, Netflix received backlash from fans claiming that there were buffering and streaming glitches. Fans were outraged, and a $50 million class-action lawsuit was filed against Netflix, alleging breach of contract.
Despite its controversies, the fight was a commercial success. Paul’s victory solidified his spot as a legitimate fighter, with his team expressing interest in future matchups against legends like Canelo Álvarez and Anthony Joshua.
For Tyson, the fight marked another chapter in his career, one that emphasized resilience and courage. While some questioned his decision to fight at 58 years old, others admired his willingness to step back into the ring.
Contact the author at howlsports@mail.wou.edu
