Adem Jones || Issue 10 || December 3rd, 2024
It actually happened. Jake Paul, a YouTuber-turned-boxer, defeated the legendary Mike Tyson in an
eight-round heavyweight fight on Friday night at AT&T Stadium in Texas. Let that sink in for a moment, Jake Paul beat Mike Tyson. All three judges gave Paul the win in a unanimous decision,
scoring 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73. For anyone who thought this fight would be a quick Tyson knockout
or an embarrassing mismatch, the result was nothing short of jaw-dropping. The fight, sanctioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, had its share of oddities. The rounds were shortened to two minutes, and both fighters used 14-ounce gloves instead of the standard 10-ounce
gloves typically used for heavy weights. These changes undoubtedly played a role in the pacing
and tone of the fight. Tyson, 58, is far from his prime. Once the most feared man in boxing, he holds an incredible 50-7 record with 44 knockouts and remains the youngest heavyweight champion in history. But Tyson, the one who unified the belts and dominated the sport, hasn’t been in the ring for decades. Paul, 27, entered the match with an 11-1 record, having built his career in boxing by fighting a mix of former MMA fighters and social media personalities. While his journey into the sport initially seemed like a publicity stunt, he has undeniably put in the work, and Friday’s win over Tyson proved he’s more than just a gimmick. This fight was originally scheduled for July but was postponed after Tyson experienced health issues, including an ulcer flare-up. Even with the delay, Tyson’s age and long layoff from competitive boxing were evident. Meanwhile, Paul came in sharp, using his youth and conditioning to outpoint the older fighter
For boxing fans, this fight raises a lot of questions about the sport’s direction. The line between real competition and spectacle is getting blurry with events like this. Tyson, who once revolutionized boxing with his brutal power and ferocity, faced off against a social media star whose claim to fame
were viral videos. Many fans argue that fights like this cheapen the sport. While celebrity boxing attracts massive audiences, some fans worry that it undermines the skill and discipline that define traditional boxing. This trend, where entertainment value often outweighs athletic merit, has left many questioning the future of the sport. Yet, there’s no denying the fight’s massive appeal. Whether fans tuned in to see Paul silenced or Tyson recapture some of his old magic, the pairing drew a crowd. Netflix’s broadcast captured every moment of the bizarre spectacle, cementing its place in pop culture, if not in the history of competitive boxing. Tyson, who seemed reluctant about the whole event from the start, is likely feeling the sting of this loss. It’s not just the defeat itself but the fact that it came at the hands of someone with far less experience and pedigree. For Paul, though, this is a career-defining moment. Love him or hate him, he’s now beaten one of the most iconic figures in sports history.
The fight also shed light on how far boxing has shifted in recent years. Once a sport dominated by traditional champions, it now sees influencers and re tired legends stepping into the ring for million-dollar paydays. For better or worse, this is boxing in 2024, a mix of athleticism, entertainment, and spectacle. In the end, the result may be shocking, but it reflects the era we’re in. Tyson’s legacy as one of the greatest fighters ever remains intact, but Paul’s victory is another reminder that in today’s world, almost anything is possible in the ring.
The Hudsonian 