ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — When Jake Paul dropped his gloves before the final bell and bowed to 58-year-old Mike Tyson, the boos from the crowd clamoring for more action grew loud again. .
For the fans who filled the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys on Friday night, paying tribute to one of the greatest boxing players in history didn’t do much.
The first sanctioned professional bout in nearly 20 years between 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer Tyson and the former heavyweight champion saw Paul defeat Tyson by unanimous decision as the striking did not match the hype. did.
All the hatred that had built up before the match disappeared and was replaced by boos from bemused fans expecting more action in a match that had raised many questions about its legitimacy long before it happened.
The match was not close, with one person giving it 80-72 in favor of Paul and the other two giving it 79-73.
Tyson went after Paul right after the opening bell and landed a few quick punches, but didn’t try much for the rest.
Even with fewer and shorter rounds, the use of heavy gloves designed to reduce the force of the punches did little to create action.
After Tyson threw quick bursts in the opening seconds, Paul became more aggressive, but his punches were less efficient. There were quite a few wild swings and misses.
Tyson, with a few exceptions, mostly sat and waited for Paul to come to him. It was in stark contrast to the slugfest between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, the other main event between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, with Taylor debating in another controversial decision. defended the super lightweight championship with no room left.
This is Tyson’s first sanctioned fight since 2005, and he fought Roy Jones in a more entertaining exhibition in 2020. Paul started playing the game a little over four years ago.
The fight was originally scheduled for July 20, but was postponed after Tyson fell ill on the plane and was treated for a stomach ulcer.
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