Nearly 30 years after his last world title, Mike Tyson returned to the ring last night to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. If the match, broadcast on Netflix, lasted only 16 minutes, the two stars pocketed astronomical sums.
He is one of the most iconic figures in boxing. At 58, Mike Tyson made an unexpected return to the ring to face Jake Paul, a YouTuber turned professional boxer. The fight, broadcast live on Netflix during the night from Friday to Saturday, aroused immense enthusiasm, but also numerous criticisms.
After almost ten years of retirement, Tyson accepted the challenge of Jake Paul, 27, for a fight announced as a spectacular event. At stake, a sporting challenge, but also huge income. Despite his age and a decade away from the rings, the former world champion received 20 million dollars for this return. To this sum would be added an additional 5 million promised by Jake Paul if he agreed to enter the ring.
Facing him, Jake Paul, known for his provocations and his ambition to make a name for himself in the world of boxing, pocketed 40 million dollars after his victory. The YouTuber was unanimously declared the winner by the judges after 16 minutes of fighting, divided into 8 rounds of 2 minutes.
A criticized fight and technical problems
If the expectation was immense, the fight was not unanimous. Described by some media as “the saddest spectacle in history”the match left a bitter taste for many fans. Tyson, although combative, could not match the youth and energy of his opponent.
At the same time, Netflix, which broadcast the event live, encountered serious technical problems. The platform’s servers were saturated by the massive influx of spectators, causing delays and outages during the fight. Many followers expressed their frustration on social media, missing part of the long-awaited event.
A new chapter for Tyson
Despite the defeat, this fight marks a symbolic step for Mike Tyson. “Iron Mike” remains one of the most memorable figures in boxing history, and his return to the ring, even for a high-profile event, is a testament to his desire to continue to make a name for himself.
With nearly 25 million dollars raised, Tyson proves that his aura remains intact, well beyond his sporting exploits. As for Jake Paul, he continues to build his career in boxing by offering himself a legendary opponent, thus strengthening his credibility in this environment that he seeks to conquer.
Mike Tyson
Jake Paul
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