By Arthur Rooks, Boxing Contributor

In a highly anticipated showdown, Jake Paul rolled to a unanimous decision victory over Mike Tyson on Friday night at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The judges scored the bout 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73 in favor of Paul, highlighting a commanding performance against the legendary former heavyweight champion. Tyson, at 58 years old, sought to impose his will early, pushing the pace in the opening round. However, Paul’s youth, speed, and strategic precision quickly turned the tide.

Using a combination of distance control and sharp punches, the 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer neutralized Tyson’s aggression and showcased his evolving boxing prowess. Tyson’s activity waned as the fight progressed, and Paul capitalized, landing 78 punches to Tyson’s 18.

While Tyson never appeared in serious trouble, Paul’s steady output and cleaner combinations left little doubt about the outcome. With this victory, Paul improved his record to 11-1, 7 KOs, extending his winning streak since his split-decision loss to Tommy Fury in February 2023. For Tyson, the bout marked a return to sanctioned competition for the first time since 2005, when he retired on the stool in a loss to Kevin McBride.

The event also featured an electrifying co-main event as Katie Taylor defeated Amanda Serrano in a rematch of their 2022 classic, retaining her undisputed junior welterweight titles. The night delivered a mix of nostalgia, high-stakes competition, and a showcase of boxing’s evolving landscape, with Jake Paul firmly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with.

However, the fight’s outcome sparked heated criticism from several prominent figures in the boxing world. Gervonta Davis, Tony Bellew, and Terence Crawford each expressed strong disapproval of Paul’s performance and the quality of his opposition. They argued that while defeating a retired 58-year-old Tyson is an achievement on paper, it does little to validate Paul as a serious contender in the sport. “He needs to step up and fight real competition,” Crawford said, while Bellew labeled the event a “circus” that undermines the integrity of boxing.

Davis echoed these sentiments, stating, “If Jake Paul wants respect, he needs to challenge himself against fighters in their prime.” The post-fight backlash underscored the tension between Paul’s growing popularity and his quest for legitimacy in the boxing world.