ARLINGTON, Texas — One of the wildest spectacles in recent sports history came to an end Friday night.
Jake Paul beat Mike Tyson by unanimous decision in a fight livestreamed by Netflix and held in front of more than 70,000 spectators at AT&T Stadium.
The heavyweight boxing matchup followed a sometimes zany build-up to an unlikely bout: the 58-year-old former world heavyweight champion against the 27-year-old social media sensation. At the weigh-in Thursday, for example, Tyson slapped Paul in the face.
Paul entered the fight as the betting favorite, but it’s unlikely anyone will cash in like the two boxers will. Paul is expected to make $40 million and Tyson is expected to make $20 million.
It was Tyson’s first pro fight since 2005, and his career record falls to 50-7.
It was Paul’s biggest moment in a boxing career that started less than five years ago. He improved his career record to 11-1.
Their showdown Friday night capped a seven-fight card and culminated an eventful ride.
In March came the mind-boggling announcement. (Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul? Say what?)
In April, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), which regulates combat sports, announced the non-traditional bout rules: two-minute rounds and 14-ounce gloves instead of the standard three-minute rounds and 10-ounce gloves. Members of the boxing community derided the TDLR for sanctioning the bout as pro while approving rules typically used for an exhibition.
In May, the boxers felt compelled to publicly deny the fight was rigged after their friendly behavior at the first news conference fueled speculation the event was less than legitimate.
Then on May 26, Tyson suffered what his representatives called an ulcer flare-up, which led the fight to be delayed by four months.
Finally, the big night arrived.