Mike Tyson failed to deliver his signature knockout punch against Jake Paul a year ago. But his coach, Billy White, saw it differently. A year later, it’s time to relive the highlights.
After the fight, White said of Tyson, «he knocked out Netflix.»
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Indeed, tens of thousands of Netflix users reported the service wasn’t working as the company struggled to stream a boxing match at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas Nov. 15, 2024 that drew tens of millions of viewers.
It was bigger than the Final Four. Bigger than the World Series. Bigger than the Super Bowl.
The biggest sports event in 2024.
How big?
Netflix estimated the event garnered 108 live viewers across the globe and the fight became the most-streamed sporting event ever. A year after that Nov. 15, 2024 fight, we can relive the unforgettable moments.
Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson highlights: Watch Netflix fight on anniversary
The full fight can be viewed on Netflix. For highlights of the now-famed fight, you can watch below.
Tyson vs Paul opening round: The man in all-black
Tyson, wearing all black, stumbled on his way to the ring. Suddenly, the compression sleeve on his right knee looked ominous.
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But once the bell rang for Round 1, the 58-year-old former heavyweight champion looked sure-footed and energetic. The 27-year-old Paul looked flashy in diamond-studded boxing trunks.
The fight, scheduled for eight two-minute rounds, was underway, and soon Tyson was chasing after Paul. Tyson connected with a crisp left jab that knocked Paul back. But as the round progressed, the 27-year-old Paul grew steady.
He began firing left jabs and landed a hard right. Tyson fought back and threw a low punch that failed to land.
“Keep ‘em up, Mike,’’ the referee scolded before the round ended.
It was hardly vintage Tyson, but two of the three judges awarded it to «Iron MIke.»
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Tyson bites glove and the tide turns
Announcer: Was it a mouthpiece issue, or were you just biting on your glove?
Mike Tyson: I have a habit of biting my glove.
Announcer: Why?
Mike: I have a biting fixation. pic.twitter.com/snlgu1nThT
— Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) November 16, 2024
In Round 2, Tyson started biting his left glove.
“I don’t like that at all,’’ said Roy Jones Jr., one of the commentators.
“Me neither,’’ said Rosie Perez, also in the broadcast booth.
Just as concerning was Tyson’s flagging energy as Paul landed jabs.
All three judges awarded Round 2 to Paul, and between rounds, his trainer said of Tyson, “Now, he’s not going to his left. He’s got a problem going to his left.’’
Was it the right knee? Was it something else? Was Tyson doomed?
Tyson vs Paul by the numbers: The Compubox story
By the end of Round 3, according to Compubox stats, Tyson had landed only 12 punches. He had thrown 55, connecting on just 21 percent.
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By contrast, Paul had landed 28 punches. He had thrown 98 and connected on 28 percent. Clearly, he was the more active fighter, underscoring the 31-year age difference between the two men.
Tyson continued to fade and take punishment from Paul.
By the end of the fight, Tyson had landed just 18 punches – 2.25 per round.
Paul had landed 78 punches, and 47 were power punches.
The lopsided fight ended with a memorable gesture. In the final seconds, Paul bowed toward Tyson.
After the final bell rang, they moved closer and touched foreheads as they exchanged words too quiet for anyone else to hear.
The crowd grew quiet too as the judge’s scorecards were read: 80-72, 79-73, 79-73, all in favor of Jake Paul.
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Tyson’s first pro fight in 20 years had officially ended in defeat.
Netflix historic broadcast of Tyson vs Paul fight
The Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul fight, regardless of outcome, was a historic night from a streaming standpoint. At times, Netflix reported 65 million concurrent streams globally, with 38 million in the US. The event’s estimated audience was a whopping 108 million live viewers worldwide.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rewatch Tyson vs Paul fight highlights on one-year anniversary
