Who was the real winner? Paul? Tyson? Netflix? Certainly, not boxing

Such was the clamour to watch this ‘fight’, between a 58-year-old man and a YouTuber 31 years his junior, that many viewers experienced Netflix outages just as it was about to commence.

Unfortunately, transmission resumed once it got under way.

Jake Paul earned a unanimous points decision (80-72, 79-73, 79-73) in a contest that went the entire eight rounds, but it’s still unclear who the real winner was.

Was it Tyson, once considered “the Baddest Man on the Planet”, for being able to go the distance with someone less than half his age? Was it Paul, who now boasts a win over Tyson, albeit when “Iron” Mike is a shadow of his former self, on his curriculum vitae?

Or is it Netflix, for being able to draw the eyeballs of tens of millions of viewers worldwide as the lines between sport and entertainment are further blurred?

The winner certainly wasn’t boxing.

Like many, I was unable to avert my eyes. The bookmakers installed Paul as the overwhelming favourite and he duly delivered, keeping Tyson at bay with a stiff jab and his superior condition.

Boxer Jake Paul receives a punch from Mike Tyson during their heavyweight bout at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.Credit: Getty Images

Such was his control that in the final rounds it was unclear whether “El Gallo” was carrying Tyson to the end or fearful of avoiding one, last devastating blow from one of the most mythologised heavyweights of them all.

Paul needn’t have worried. Tyson was spent by the third round and a restless crowd at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas quickly realised the underdog they were cheering was doomed.

Very early on in my journalistic career, a wise editor once told me, “Nobody wants to read about the plane that landed.”

This was indeed a plane crash, but not the type that we had hoped for.

Every part of this production was packaged and cross-promoted. There was a performance from the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, also the subject of a Netflix documentary.

There was the hyperbole of the commentary team in the build-up, promising that “It’s time for Netflix and thrill.” There were advertisements for a new movie featuring Cameron Diaz, one that will undoubtedly appear on said streaming platform.

But what we didn’t see was a contest.

Tyson would have disposed of Paul in microseconds in his pomp. Neither of them, at this point of their professional careers, resembles a genuine contender. Once the youngest heavyweight champion of the world, Tyson moved like he had been sampling the cannabis products he now spruiks.

For much of the bout he had the munchies, constantly chomping on his gloves.

“I have a biting fixation,” said the man who once bit off part of Evander Holyfield’s ear.

This was an unedifying way to end a storied career, yet it may not be the end.

Asked if he would now retire, the former champ replied “I don’t think so”, flagging the prospect of taking on Paul’s brother, Logan.

If it were to transpire, it would be a very hard sell, even for someone as good at it as Jake or Logan Paul.

“He’s a legend, he’s the greatest to ever do it,” Paul said.

“He’s the GOAT – I’m inspired by him and we wouldn’t be here today without him.

“He’s an icon, it’s an honour to fight him. Obviously he’s the toughest, ‘the Baddest Man on the Planet’.

Jake Paul is the winner.Credit: AP

“It’s a really tough fight, like I expected it to be.”

Asked if he tried to knock Tyson out, Paul said: “I was trying to hurt him a little. I was scared he was going to hurt me.”

Mike Tyson spent more time biting his hands than throwing them.

One can only wonder what Evander Holyfield was thinking watching “the Baddest Man on the Planet” chomp down on his gloves.

When quizzed about the proclivity, Tyson said: “I have a biting fixation.”

Mike Tyson makes his exit. To count his money, presumably. Credit: AP

This was hard to watch. One can only hope that this is Tyson’s curtain call and that there will be no rematch.

Tyson, however, isn’t sure if retirement beckons.

“I don’t think so,” he said.

Asked who he wanted to fight next, Tyson said: “Maybe his brother [Logan Paul].”

Please tell me it won’t happen.

In case you’d forgotten… Credit: AP

The scores are in.

The judges have given it to Paul, 80-72, 79-73, 79-73.

All up, Paul landed 78 punches to just 18 from Tyson.

Jake Paul landed more often.Credit: AP

Jake Paul’s mother, Pam Stepnick, celebrates his win.Credit: AP

Tyson knew he needed a knockout.

The mind was willing, but the body wasn’t capable. Tyson needed to start throwing, but spent most of the two minutes biting his own glove.

Is this a win for Tyson because he went the distance?

It’s over. Thankfully.Credit: AP

Is this a win for Paul because Paul won (in my eyes)?

It kinda feels like Paul carried him over the last few rounds.

One thing is for sure – it’s not a win for boxing.

Paul and Tyson embrace after the final round. Credit: AP

Paul’s corner was calling for him to end this early.

It was Tyson who came out with more intent this round, although Paul landed 59-16 punches through rounds one to six.

It’s a mark of respect that Paul hasn’t been able to end this; he realises that if he goes for the knockout, he could do something careless.

This has been lopsided.Credit: Getty Images

Some good punches landed by Paul in the final few seconds.

Now for the last round. Tyson needs a knockout.

You can hear a pin drop.

I reckon most of the fans have come to see some of that old Mike Tyson magic, but it feels like he’s just trying to survive.

Paul is using his jab to good effect, he’s been able to fight at a distance he’s comfortable with.

It will all come down to whether Tyson can come up with a hail Mary blow.

There hasn’t been enough of this from Tyson.Credit: AP

It feels like Tyson is saving himself for one big blow.

Paul has to be careful, he’s dropping his hands and could open himself up.

Tyson ripped one of those savage left hooks of his, but they’re not being thrown frequently enough. If this goes to the judges, Tyson has no chance.

A big left hook from Mike Tyson.Credit: AP

It’s actually hard to watch this.

In his pomp, Jake Paul wouldn’t last 60 seconds with Mike Tyson. However, this is proof that, if any was needed, why Father Time is undefeated.

Paul is landing almost at will.Credit: AP

As we mark the halfway point of the fight, Paul is looking comfortable. Tyson isn’t charging forward the way he was in the opening exchanges.

The best punch of the round was a Paul punch right into Tyson’s belly button.

Mike Tyson looks like he’s just ingested a handful of those cannabis gummies that he has been spruiking.

Paul set up the round with a combination of three quick lefts and Tyson hasn’t really recovered. The old man’s legs look wobbly and I reckon this could be called off.

For some reason, Tyson has been biting his gloves. What’s that about? Is an ear next?

Paul is in total control.

Paul is taking charge.Credit: AP