PAUL VS TYSON - A SPECTACULAR HIGH AND LOW FOR BOXING.

Last night, we witnessed what could arguably be called one of the most talked-about boxing events of 2024. While Riyadh Season has been setting the standard with its spectacular boxing events, Netflix boldly stepped into the boxing arena, using its vast platform to livestream a professional boxing match for the first time by broadcasting the showdown between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, Netflix united boxing fans and sports enthusiasts from all generations across the globe, proving once again the power of streaming to amplify the sport.

The Build-Up: Anticipation Meets Nostalgia.

The lead-up to the event was nothing short of captivating. Netflix’s three-part documentary chronicling Jake Paul’s transformation from YouTube sensation to professional boxer built immense intrigue. It also highlighted Mike Tyson, the iconic former heavyweight champion, who at 58 years old, defied age to step back into the ring. Tyson’s impressive physique and intense training clips during fight week sparked nostalgia, reigniting memories of the ferocious young champion who once ruled the heavyweight division.

For fans, this event carried immense stakes. Could Tyson, with his unmatched legacy and raw power, derail the Jake Paul hype train? Many boxing purists hoped Tyson’s return would silence what they view as Paul’s sideshow—a disruption to the traditional spirit of the sport.

The Main Event: High Expectations, Mixed Results.

While the staging of the event was world-class, the main event itself fell short of expectations. The first round offered a brief glimpse of the old Tyson—explosive, aggressive, and charging forward like a bull. Jake Paul, clearly caught off guard, found himself on the back foot. However, as the fight progressed, the 58-year-old Tyson visibly struggled to maintain the pace and timing needed to compete with Paul’s youth and stamina.

What unfolded was a bittersweet spectacle: a shadow of Tyson’s former greatness, surviving against an opponent who, in his prime, wouldn’t have lasted a single round. For fans of the sport, it was a tough watch—a stark reminder of the passage of time and the fragility of legacy in the face of spectacle-driven matchups.

Jake Paul, playing the role of the villain throughout the buildup, leaned into his polarising persona. Though his in-ring ability still divides opinion, his self-promotion and ability to draw massive crowds are undeniable. To his credit, Paul showed humility during the fight, bowing to Tyson in a gesture of respect as the final bell rang.

Ultimately, Paul secured a unanimous decision victory, a lucrative Netflix paycheck, and yet another headline-grabbing win to add to his record. However, many fans left the event with a shared sentiment: let this be Tyson’s final fight. His legacy as the youngest heavyweight champion and a boxing icon deserves to remain untarnished.

The Undercard: A War Worth Watching.

While the main event left some disappointed, the co-main event delivered. Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano squared off in a highly anticipated rematch, reviving memories of their first encounter, which was hailed as one of the greatest fights in women’s boxing history.

Once again, these two warriors went to war, trading blows and showcasing heart, skill, and determination. In the end, it was Katie Taylor who emerged victorious. The judges’ scores reflected a "what you like" style of judging, with Serrano feeling, as she did in their first fight, that she had done enough to win.

Despite Serrano’s frustration, the real victor was women’s boxing. Their electrifying performances once again proved that the sport has reached new heights, inspiring fans and aspiring fighters worldwide, showcasing the rise of women’s boxing on powerhouse streamer Netflix.

A Historic Night, But What’s Next?

Netflix’s foray into boxing marks a pivotal moment for the sport, proving that streaming platforms can play a significant role in its evolution. However, as the dust settles on Jake Paul’s win over a fading legend, one question remains: what does this mean for Netflix and their boxing future?

Will we continue to see these crossover spectacles, or will the focus shift back to the purist battles that define the sport’s soul? For now, boxing fans can only hope that this experiment won’t come at the expense of the sport’s integrity.

As for Tyson, it’s time to close the chapter for good. Let the memories of his greatness remain untarnished, and let us celebrate the youngest heavyweight champion of all time for the legacy he built—not the shadow of what he once was.