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Father Time Undefeated: Jake Paul cruises to victory against static Mike Tyson

Written by Tom Eaton on 16th November 2024.

In one of the most criticized contests of all-time Jake Paul headed into a showdown against a 58-year-old Mike Tyson with the goal of leaving his mark on the professional record of a living legend. However, as many anticipated, that seemed easier to achieve than fans had hoped.

‘Iron Mike’ showed limited flashes of his former self, predominantly in the opening couple of rounds, adopting his trademark peak-a-boo style to bring a smile to the millions of viewers tuning in to the Netflix live event.

Although, that was about as much nostalgia as was brought to the table, as the one-time ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ showed understandably limited fitness and output throughout the eight-round affair, throwing less than 100 punches and scoring with just 18.

As for Paul, many were watching his most high-profile clash through their fingers and grimacing on each occasion that the social media sensation landed a shot, fearful that Tyson could sign off from professional boxing in the saddest possible manner – laid out on the canvas by a man not fit to lace the boots of the former undisputed champion.

Yet, to his credit, Paul showed little intent to do too much damage to what was really a sitting duck, restricting himself to throw few combinations and instead land the eye-catching punches to win the rounds but not ones to end the fight.

It will never be known whether the YouTuber-turned-boxer took this approach as a result of a possible pre-fight agreement, or out of respect for his veteran opponent, but the fact that Paul refused to jump upon Tyson and seek to capitalize on the lack of footwork of the two-time heavyweight champion was a saving grace, in what was an ultimately underwhelming main-event.

As for the undercard, Katie Taylor retained her undisputed super-lightweight throne with a unanimous-decision win (95-94 x3) in a close fight against Amanda Serrano, although the Netflix commentary team would leave you to believe that the Irishwoman had robbed her rival.

Meanwhile, Mario Barrios and Abel Ramos fought to a surprise draw in their WBC welterweight world title bout in one of the fights of the year – both men hitting the canvas in a display of boxing that put the headline attraction to shame.

Worryingly, Tyson refused to rule out a return to ‘action’ in his post-fight interview but his performance should deter fans from encouraging a 58th career fight, whilst Paul refused to call out Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in the aftermath, despite labelling him as his next target beforehand.

The fact that he earned a reported $2.22 million per punch that Tyson landed may have convinced him to steer clear of more active opposition, and milk the cow that boxing has become whilst he still can.

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