The heavyweight boxing mega-event between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson took place at AT&T Stadium on November 15, 2024. This event was headlined by The Problem Child, Jake “El Gallo” Paul (9-1, 6 KOs) vs. the Baddest Man on the Planet, Mike Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs). Social media star Jake Paul defeated legendary boxer Mike Tyson via unanimous decision late Friday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in one of the most improbable matchups in the sport’s history.
Fight Card and Undercard
Besides the main fight, the co-main event was Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2. This marked Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano’s long-awaited rematch following their historic bout at Madison Square Garden in 2022, where they made history as the first-ever women fighters to headline an event in the venue’s history. The rematch between #2 Taylor and #3 Serrano was contested for the undisputed super lightweight championship, marking a jump of two weight classes from Serrano’s normal featherweight division as Taylor put all her super lightweight belts on the line.
Other fights on the undercard included:
- Mario Barrios vs Abel Ramos
- Neeraj Goyat vs. Whindersson Nunes
- Lucas Bahdi vs [Opponent]
Fight Details and Rules
The bout between Paul and Tyson was sanctioned as a professional bout by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations, with some regulations based on masters boxing for amateur participants over 35. The main event was eight two-minute rounds instead of 10 or 12 three-minute rounds, and both fighters wore 14-ounce gloves rather than 10-ounce gloves. Because it is sanctioned, the result will count in their records.
The bout was eight rounds of two minutes each (two minute rounds are used in women's and amateur masters boxing) with 14-ounce gloves (slightly lighter than the masters boxing rule of 16 ounces). In the first round, both fighters entered in an orthodox stance, both throwing punches at each other. However, by the second round, Tyson seemed to have already been tired out and had lost momentum, which is a pattern that would continue throughout the fight. Paul won via unanimous decision.
Read also: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: Rule Breakdown
The 31-year age difference between Tyson and Paul is the largest age difference in professional boxing history.
Round Breakdown:
- Round 1: Tyson started fast, but Paul managed to hold his own.
- Round 2: Action settled down, with Paul landing a few good body shots and an uppercut.
- Round 3: A big round for Paul, wobbling Tyson with a short right and dominating the round with peppered shots.
- Round 4: Tyson showed his age, appearing slower and more gassed than his younger opponent.
- Round 5: Paul maintained control, landing body shots and a right hand before the bell.
- Round 6: Paul's superior conditioning became evident as he continued to break down Tyson with jabs.
- Round 7: Tyson showed aggression, but Paul landed a straight right and an uppercut, highlighting the age difference.
- Round 8: The final round saw both fighters exchange punches, but boos from the crowd indicated a lack of significant action.
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS 🥊 | ESPN Ringside
Controversies and Criticisms
Many criticized Paul for fighting Tyson due to the significant age difference. Former UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland criticized Paul on X, stating, "this should be illegal" and called Paul a clown, with former Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis agreeing. Fellow YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI described the bout on Instagram as "elderly abuse".
During the weigh-in the day prior to the match, Paul stepped on Tyson's toes; Tyson has been on record stating he has foot problems due to health issues including sciatica, and has an aversion to people stepping on them. Tyson slapped Paul across the face, afterwards telling the New York Post "I was in my socks and he had on shoes. He stepped on my toe because he is a fucking asshole. I wanted to think it happened by accident. But now I think it may have happened on purpose," adding "I was in a lot of pain.
Netflix has been criticized for widespread technical difficulties that plagued the event's livestream. Many viewers tuning in were unable to watch the fight due to buffering. Following the fight, a number of outlets expressed concerns that the fight was staged.
Read also: Where to Watch Paul vs. Tyson
Fighter Backgrounds
Mike Tyson is known as one of the best - and most intimidating - boxers ever. He opened his professional career with 19 straight finishes, 12 of which came in the first round. He later knocked out Trevor Berbick at the age of 20 to become the youngest heavyweight champion ever. Tyson reigned over the division from 1987 to 1990, claiming and retaining the WBA, WBC, and IBF belts en route to a 37-0 start. His first career loss was a 10th-round knockout defeat to Buster Douglas in 1990 in what is considered the greatest upset in boxing history. Tyson returned to the ring 20 times since that defeat, going 13-5 with two "no contests." He has not competed since losing to Kevin McBride in 2005. He was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011.
Jake Paul, 27, is a social media star with more than 27 million Instagram followers and nearly 21 million YouTube subscribers. He made his professional boxing debut in 2020, knocking out fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib in the first round. He has since amassed a 10-1 record with wins over former UFC stars Ben Askren, Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley, Nate Diaz and Mike Perry. His lone loss is a split decision last year against boxer Tommy Fury, the half-brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
Additional Information
Paul vs. Tyson revenue has surpassed $17.8 million, almost double the previous $9 million state combat sports gate record set by Canelo Álvarez vs. Billy Joe Saunders in 2021, according to event promoter Most Valuable Promotions. Since headlining his first fight, Jake Paul has broken gate records at every arena he’s fought at during his professional career, and now Paul vs. Tyson is the biggest boxing gate outside of Las Vegas in US history in terms of revenue. The Paul vs. Tyson gate is also higher than any non-Las Vegas UFC gate in history, aside from Alvarez vs. McGregor in New York City.
The win improves Paul’s professional record to 11-1 while dropping Tyson to 50-7. Tyson was asked if he was officially done boxing. He said he wasn't sure. "I don't think so," Tyson said on the broadcast. "Maybe the brother (Logan Paul)." Paul was asked after the fight who he wants next. “Anyone I want,” Paul said. “Everyone is next on the list.”
Read also: Mike Tyson vs. Brock Lesnar?