Jake Paul and Mike Tyson are set to receive seven-day suspensions from boxing after their highly anticipated eight-round fight in Dallas on Friday night. The match, which ended in a dominant victory for Paul, was sanctioned as a professional event by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, requiring mandatory rest periods for both fighters.
Paul, the YouTuber-turned-boxer, outclassed Tyson in a fight that fell short of expectations. Tyson, 58, struggled in his first professional outing in nearly two decades, while Paul failed to deliver on his pre-fight promise of a knockout. Despite the disparity in performance, neither fighter suffered significant injuries during the bout.
Under Texas regulations, fighters are required to rest three days for every round fought, resulting in a 24-day suspension for both Paul and Tyson. While such suspensions are standard and unlikely to interfere with future plans, they emphasize the regulatory oversight of professional boxing.
A Night of Mixed Performances
The fight, held at AT&T Stadium in Texas and streamed on Netflix, concluded with the judges scoring it 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73 in favor of Paul. Tyson, who last fought professionally in 2005, appeared fatigued throughout, unable to match Paul’s pace. The result highlighted the challenges of returning to the ring after such a prolonged hiatus.
Despite the outcome, Tyson remained optimistic about his performance and hinted at the possibility of future fights. Speaking post-fight, he said, “I don’t know [if this is my last fight]. It depends on the situation. I don’t think so.” When asked about potential opponents, Tyson pointed to Logan Paul, Jake’s brother, as a possibility.
Tyson also expressed satisfaction with his effort, stating, “I knew [Paul] was a good fighter. I didn’t need to prove anything to anyone but myself. I’m not here to please the world—I’m just happy with what I can do.”
Paul’s Tribute to Tyson
Jake Paul was gracious in victory, using his post-fight interview to honor Tyson’s legacy. “Mike Tyson, this is such an honor,” he said. “He’s the greatest to ever do it. He is an icon. It was an honor to fight him. He was exactly what I thought he would be.”
While the fight may not have delivered the drama fans had hoped for, it remains a significant milestone in Paul’s career and a unique chapter in Tyson’s storied legacy.
What’s Next for Both Fighters?
Although Tyson’s performance raised questions about his future in the sport, his post-fight comments suggest he’s open to stepping back into the ring under the right circumstances. Meanwhile, Jake Paul continues to solidify his status as a serious contender in the boxing world, with fans eagerly anticipating his next move.
The fight, though not a spectacle, served as a moment of mutual respect between a rising star and a boxing legend.
