Mike Tyson’s much-anticipated and controversial return to the boxing ring ended in a lopsided defeat on Friday, as YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul secured a unanimous decision victory over the 58-year-old heavyweight legend at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Tyson struggled throughout the eight-round bout, landing few punches while Paul controlled the fight with his speed and agility. The judges’ scorecards reflected Paul’s dominance, reading 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73 in his favor.

At 27 years old, Paul used his superior movement and sharper technique to trouble Tyson repeatedly, especially in the third round, where he unleashed a barrage of punches that had the former champion in difficulty. However, Paul fell short of delivering the knockout he had vowed to achieve, despite a heated weigh-in the day before, during which Tyson slapped him.

Tyson’s age and decline were evident in his performance. He landed just 18 of 97 punches thrown during the fight, compared to Paul’s 78 successful strikes out of 278 attempts. Despite his struggles, Tyson’s return drew an electrifying crowd of 70,000 spectators, with millions more watching worldwide.

In the final moments of the eighth round, Paul even bowed in respect to Tyson before the closing bell.

“First and foremost, Mike Tyson, it’s such an honor. Let’s give it up for Mike,” Paul said after the fight, embracing the boxing icon. “He’s the greatest to ever do it. He’s the GOAT, he’s a legend. I’m inspired by him, and we wouldn’t be here today without him.

“This man is an icon, and it’s just an honor to fight him. He’s obviously the toughest, baddest man on the planet, and it was really tough, like I expected it to be.”

While the result marked a decisive victory for Paul, it also showcased the enduring legacy and appeal of Tyson, who remains one of the sport’s most iconic figures.

Nearly 40 years after his pro debut and 19 years post-retirement, 58-year-old Mike Tyson will step back into the boxing ring on Friday for a Netflix-sponsored fight that has stirred up strong reactions within the boxing community. Tyson, the dominant heavyweight of the late 1980s, is set to face 27-year-old YouTube star Jake Paul at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The fight, structured as eight rounds of two minutes each, was initially slated for July but was delayed after Tyson required medical treatment for a bleeding ulcer following an incident on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles. This health scare has added to the criticism surrounding Friday's bout, with many calling it a dangerous spectacle that poses unnecessary risks to Tyson, who last fought professionally in 2005, ending in a loss to Kevin McBride.

British promoter Eddie Hearn voiced his disapproval, saying, “If anyone believes Tyson should be fighting at this age, they’re either unconcerned for his health or acting recklessly. This fight shouldn’t be happening.” Fellow promoter Frank Warren agreed, comparing it to a roadside accident that attracts attention for the wrong reasons.

Tyson, who is reportedly earning around $20 million for the fight, has dismissed health concerns, attributing criticism to jealousy. “I’m beautiful; that’s all there is to say,” he stated, adding that critics "wish they could be in my place."

At a workout in Texas this week, Tyson explained that his intense training had bolstered his confidence. "The fight is the celebration—all the hard work is done,” he said, and at a press conference in Texas, he added simply, “I’m just ready to fight.”

On the other side, Jake Paul, who rose to fame on YouTube before entering the boxing world, also expressed confidence, promising a swift fight. Paul, who has built a record of 10 wins (seven by knockout) and one loss, wore a rooster-shaped headdress at his workout and stated, “It’s going to be a short night for Mike.”

While Tyson’s prime years in the 1980s might have seen him dispatch an opponent like Paul in minutes, many wonder if he still retains any of the power that crowned him the youngest heavyweight champion in history at 20. Boxing legend Bob Arum, 92, also weighed in bluntly on the spectacle, adding yet another voice to the debate surrounding this unique match.