The highly anticipated clash between boxing legend Mike Tyson and YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul ended with a whimper rather than a bang, leaving fans at AT&T Stadium in Dallas disappointed and booing the lack of action.
Paul secured an eight-round unanimous decision over the 58-year-old Tyson, but the fight failed to live up to the hype that preceded it. Despite the pre-fight animosity, the bout was characterized by a surprising lack of aggression from both fighters.
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Tyson came out strong in the opening seconds, landing a couple of quick punches, but then seemed to lose steam. Paul, though more active throughout the fight, threw mostly wild swings and missed connections.
The judges scored the fight overwhelmingly in Paul’s favor, with scores of 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73. However, the crowd’s reaction told a different story. Boos echoed through the stadium as fans expressed their dissatisfaction with the lackluster performance.
READ: Mike Tyson Steps Back Into The Ring Tonight Against Jake Paul: Here’s How To Watch
“I was trying to hurt him a little bit,” Paul said after the fight, acknowledging his own hesitancy. “I was scared he was going to hurt me.”
The fight’s format, with eight two-minute rounds and heavier gloves designed to reduce punching power, may have contributed to the lack of action. The bout stood in stark contrast to the exciting co-main event, a slugfest between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano that had the crowd on its feet.
While Paul emerged victorious, the fight ultimately left many questioning its legitimacy and entertainment value. The boos from the crowd served as a clear indication that this clash of generations failed to deliver the fireworks that were promised.
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