Tyson vs Paul: millions were glued to their screens

Tyson vs. Paul fight disappoints viewers - but captivates millions

"Just sad" and "it was not a fight that was meant to be"are the insights shared by internet users so far in the boxing ring between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul^[1]. The latter do not hide their resentment, noting that the athletes' backgrounds differ and cannot meet the standard criteria normally applied to boxers. Since one of the athletes has not fought professionally for almost 20 years, this fight is not equal.

No one would disagree that the fight is legendary and has attracted a crowd of laymen to their television screens. Over 70 000 fans gathered at the home of the Dallas Cowboys to watch it. It is estimated that a record 60 million households watched the game, with a total of 65 million simultaneous broadcasts. Many viewers tend to refer to this event as a "mega-event", which broke social media ratings.

The spectacle was spectacular, with 27-year-old Paul winning unanimously after an incredible eight rounds.

Many viewers felt that the 58-year-old's performance was weak, with only 97 punches thrown in the entire fight - and only 18 of them were accurate. Unlike Tyson, Paul is proud to improve his record to 11-1.

Whether this was indeed the spectacle America deserved is still being debated.

Insiders are sure: Tyson's age is to blame

Tyson's return to the ring has made many of his fans happy. On the other hand, others wanted to "scratch their nails".

Evander Holyfield, former heavyweight world champion and one of Tyson's fiercest rivals, commented on the fight and said it was not a good fight. NBA legend Magic Johnson agreed.

"This fight was disappointing," Johnson wrote on the "X" platform, not hiding his disappointment at the veteran's performance.

Fighting an opponent almost 30 years older raises many questions. Given the different ages of the participants, the distribution of power is being questioned. However, Tyson is not Paul's only much older opponent. The young athlete has also fought UFC fighter Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva, and Nate Diaz, for whom, like Tyson, boxing is a memory.

Most who watched the fight agreed that Paul should fight a boxer who matches his credentials. The latter believed the outcome would have differed if Tyson had been the same age as his opponent.

The internet proclaimed, "Rest assured that Tyson, in his own time, would have destroyed Paul tonight." This was an attempt to inspire optimism.

Some viewers say they predicted the outcome of the fight between Tyson and Paul

The build-up to the fight was similar to a traditional professional boxing bout, with the athletes facing each other and staring into each other's eyes. However, after some provocative words were exchanged and Paul allegedly stepped on his opponent's foot, Tyson landed one "modest" punch. Despite the mood, the outcome was apparently clear to most observers - right from the start.

"I love Tyson, but he gets too much praise," wrote Terence Crawford, holder of four world titles in four different weight classes. He added that Tyson's 97 punches in the fight were a record low.

Paul was quick to give his version.

"I wanted to put on a show for the fans, but I didn't want to hurt anyone, so I stopped at a certain point," he said.

This admission drew an even fiercer reaction from the spectators. However, the pity towards the veteran may be worthless, as Tyson has not officially announced his retirement from boxing.

"It's one of those situations where you lose but you still win. I am grateful. I don't regret stepping into the ring for the last time," Tyson posted on the "X" platform on Saturday. He revealed that his life was in danger back in June, when he underwent eight blood transfusions. So the fight in the ring symbolised his resurrection and his determination to never give up.

"For my children to see me go toe to toe and finish 8 rounds with a talented fighter half my age in front of a packed Dallas Cowboy Stadium. It is a special experience. Thank you", announced the boxer.

Although some spectators believe that this show was put on for the money, it may simply be a challenge; it may be the nature of athletes in this sport to keep going and not stop.

Tyson's last fight was in 2005

Paul has only been boxing seriously for half a decade. However, at that time, he was publicizing his fights with amateurs, thus making his name^[2].

His opponent, Tyson, is one of the best heavyweight fighters of all time, but in his last real fight in 2005, he pulled out after the sixth round of a scheduled ten-rounder, saying, "I'm out of courage." Over time, the famous boxer immersed himself in business and a normal family life.

Time may have put everything in place as Tyson rediscovered his peace of mind and realized that material wealth was unimportant. But what Tyson's peace of mind meant for his ability to hit Paul remains to be seen.

The fight between Paul and Tyson is likely to be described in several different ways for a long time to come: as a fight between a young man and an old man, or a fight between a young athlete, the 126th best heavyweight in the world, and Tyson, a long time out of the sport. Tyson reportedly took home $20 million. US dollars. His opponent's fee was double that.