Who Truly Won the Paul vs Tyson Fight?

The November 15, 2024, boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson was billed as a clash of generations, pitting the controversial YouTuber-turned-boxer against the legendary former heavyweight champion. While the event attracted massive attention, the aftermath has left fans debating who truly "won" and whether the fight lived up to its hype

A business win for Jake Paul

Jake Paul secured a unanimous decision victory after eight rounds, with scores of 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73. At 27 years old, Paul’s strategy revolved around outlasting the 58-year-old Tyson. For Paul, this was a business triumph; his $40 million payday cemented his reputation as a savvy marketer and a polarising figure in the boxing world. Yet, many accused him of capitalising on Tyson's age, with critics like Tony Bellew labelling the fight "sad" and questioning its legitimacy as a sporting contest​.

A legacy win for Mike Tyson

Despite his loss, Tyson's effort drew widespread admiration. Returning to the ring after decades of retirement, he demonstrated resilience and heart, qualities that fans and celebrities, including Piers Morgan, celebrated. Tyson's $20 million earnings further underscored his enduring status as a boxing icon​.

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Tyson's reflective post on X (formerly Twitter) resonated widely: "This was about my journey, not the result." The post was warmly received by figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump Jr., who praised Tyson’s courage and the inspiration he continues to provide. Musk called him "a true legend," while Trump Jr. hailed the bout as a testament to Tyson's indomitable spirit.

A Definite "L" for Netflix

The event’s success was overshadowed by Netflix's technical failures. As the platform’s first foray into live sports streaming, the fight suffered from repeated crashes and buffering issues, leaving countless fans frustrated. Many took to social media to vent their disappointment, with one user lamenting, "Mike made me get my Netflix account back for nothing." The streaming fiasco has raised questions about Netflix's preparedness for live events, despite the fight grossing over $80 million from pay-per-view and ticket sales​.

A loss for the fans

The boxing and entertainment worlds offered mixed reactions. UFC commentator Joe Rogan sarcastically declared, “Magic isn’t real,” while boxer Michael Conlan commended Tyson’s effort but criticised the fight’s premise. Social media was flooded with memes, with many fans debating the fight’s integrity and purpose. The polarising nature of the bout underscored the divide between those viewing it as entertainment and those seeking legitimate competition​.

So was it worth it?

Financially, the fight was a success, but the overall reception suggests it was a mixed bag. Jake Paul secured another payday and bolstered his personal brand, while Tyson proved that his legacy transcends wins and losses. For fans, however, the fight felt like a missed opportunity for something more meaningful.

In the end, Paul may have won in the ring, but Tyson’s enduring charisma and reflective approach earned him a moral victory. The fight will likely be remembered as a cultural event - a spectacle that blurred the lines between sport and entertainment, leaving millions to ponder whether it was truly worth the hype.