Mike Tyson’s return to the boxing ring Friday to take on Jake Paul was not exactly the most well-received event of the year.
Paul (11-1, 7 KOs) outlasted Tyson (50-7, 44 KOs) over eight two-minute rounds to earn a unanimous decision victory at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Two judges scored the fight 79-73 Paul, while the third gave Paul all eight rounds, 80-72.
While it was fascinating to see the former heavyweight champion back in the ring, many felt uncomfortable watching the fight once Tyson began to struggle. Tyson showed some signs of life early on in the match. But age quickly caught up to the 58-year-old, who significantly slowed down as the bout progressed.
I'm sad watching this. Tyson looks like Tyson, but nothing left under the hood. #boxing #PaulTyson
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) November 16, 2024
I don’t ever wanna see Mike Tyson in the ring again this is sad
— Greg Armstrong (@gregarmstrong01) November 16, 2024
Man this low key sad watching Mike Tyson fight
— Hoodville (@Hoodville_) November 16, 2024
Hall of Fame athletes Magic Johnson and Shannon Sharpe also shared that they were bothered by what they had watched. Johnson went so far as to call the Tyson-Paul fight bad for boxing and admitted he had tuned out of the bout before it had even finished.
Just sad smh. I cut it off because I couldn’t watch anymore. It’s sad to see Mike Tyson like this because I went to every Tyson fight.
This fight tonight was not great for boxing.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) November 16, 2024
Mind might be willing but Tyson’s body just isn’t able. It’s sad watching this😔😔😟😟
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) November 16, 2024
Tyson may not have gotten the victory over Paul, but he at least secured a massive bag from Netflix for the unorthodox boxing spectacle. And for what it’s worth, Tyson also got to show his bare-naked butt to the world in the process.
