America was intrigued by the most bizarre match broadcasted live on Netflix.

60 million households tuned in. Before the main event, other matches took place, ranging from featherweight to heavyweight divisions. All of it led to the anticipated Tyson-Paul match.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations sanctioned the fight.

Unfortunately, Jake Paul defeated Mike Tyson, marking a permanent loss on his professional boxing record. Iron Mike, regarded as one of the best boxers of his time, became the World Heavyweight Champion when he was 20, remaining undisputed for 3-years. Iron Mike made his first 19 victories, 12 in his initial rounds, and remained undefeated. To date, he was the youngest of his time to cement that moment. Tyson later retired in 2005 following legal and financial burdens, he had fought for 20-years, faced 59 fights total, won 50, and lost 7.

Annihilating James ‘Bonecrusher’ Smith on March 7th elevated Tyson to new heights, earning the winning WBA belt. Despite this hard win, Tyson was frustrated, quoting: “When I was trying to put the punches together, he grabbed. This hurts boxing. This is a show business, people expect a performance. I won every round, it was an easy fight. [Smith] hit me with a good shot, but it didn’t hurt me, it just took my legs away.”

Later, on August 1st, Tyson defeated Tony Tucker and was formally acknowledged by three organizations, including the World Boxing Council (WBC), World Boxing Association (WBA), and the International Boxing Federation (IBF). Previously, he had faced little resistance, facing Thomas, Berbick, and Smith; however, Tucker attests himself as a formidable opponent to Tyson.

As they sparred, Tucker kept taunting Tyson. Prior to that, Tucker confessed that he broke his right hand before. He had damaged his hand in a pre-fight, and stated: “I hit him with a right uppercut early and my hand just shattered. It was the worst pain ever. I still went on though, that’s why I did all those antics and everything.”

Tyson is infamously known for mutilating Evander Holyfield’s ear, although, it is important to note, the men have reconciled and made amends.

Digressing from Tyson’s sport history, Jake Paul has yet to etch a name for himself in the boxing world. Paul, coinciding notoriety with his brother, Logan, is faced with heavy criticism from onlookers on a daily basis.

During the fight, the 58-year-old Mike Tyson’s knees gave out in his stance.

Many have mocked him for whoever becomes his upcoming rival. Jake Paul is scrutinized for not sparring up to his game and only fighting for the fame of his name. When Paul faced off actual professional boxers, he lost to Tommy Fury unanimously on a split decision on his record. Paul holds an 11-1, and he is ranked N.128 among heavyweights via his triumph.

When news of the Tyson-Paul fight broke out, Joe Rogan explained on his podcast that it would be a lose-lose situation and Paul would make a fool of himself. He had also argued that Paul should not be facing an elderly version of Mike Tyson, given he had retired 18-years before. Tyson is no longer in his prime and Paul has to make real fights for himself, not ones where he deliberately compensates his losing rival.

Penguinz0, another YouTuber, expressed that the fight was utterly ridiculous, if Paul loses then he would be losing to an elderly Tyson. If Paul wins, he beats up an old man who is deprived of the energy to defend himself. Some have argued that it does not matter if Tyson wins or loses because he still profits. Whereas, others contend that Jake Paul is disrespectful for generating double what Tyson was offered to box him.

Muhammed Ali’s grandson, Nico Ali Walsh, challenged Jake Paul to a fight, insulting him as an “embarrassment.” Walsh was given Ali’s white Everlast shorts, which are synonymous with his late grandfather’s distinguished image.

Following the match, for those who had not seen the fight, there were various Tyson-Paul fight highlights published; with many left feeling devastated and sympathetic towards Iron Mike.

Boxing is no longer being seen as a serious sport as it was back in the day.

It is a debate on whether or not boxing is an exhibition sport or is based on raw capability as it was. Athletes like Jake Paul obscured that line and if these so-called “exhibition” matches keep going on, boxing’s integrity is put at stake. The same is also parallel to WWE (Wrestling), but not UFC (Mixed Martial Arts).

Unlike boxing, the UFC maintains its integrity by consistently featuring highly competitive fights between top-ranked fighters. The organization prioritizes skill, athleticism, and legitimate competition, ensuring that matchups are based on merit rather than spectacle. This commitment to real sporting excellence helps the UFC preserve its reputation as a disciplined and respected combat sport.

To preserve boxing’s integrity, it is essential to establish clear distinctions between exhibition matches and professional bouts. Implementing stricter regulations and criteria for match-making could ensure that fighters are matched based on skill and experience rather than celebrity status. Additionally, promoting and supporting up-and-coming boxers who demonstrate talent and dedication to the sport can help maintain its credibility and appeal to true boxing enthusiasts.

The sport’s legacy requires a concerted effort to balance entertainment with authentic competition, ensuring that the focus remains on the athletes’ prowess and the storied tradition of boxing itself.