THE punch stats from Mike Tyson’s defeat to Jake Paul made for “sad” reading.
Veteran Iron Mike, 58, started strongly enough in his Netflix boxing fight with the former YouTuber.
But he simply ran out of gas within the first few minutes of the eight-round contest.
And that was proven by his dismal performance when it came to his shots.
In the 16 minutes of action, the former undisputed heavyweight world champion landed just 18 punches – averaging just 2.25 successful hits per round.
In total, he only attempted 97, meaning he made contact with just 18 per cent.
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By comparison, Paul, 27, threw a whopping 278 punches – nearly 200 more than his ageing opponent – but still only landed 78 for a success rate of 28 per cent despite his opponent barely moving.
His most explosive round came in the third when the victorious Problem Child attempted 44 punches and connected with 16 of them.
However, a woeful fifth round saw just four punches landed between the pair as the quality failed to live up to the hype and Paul refused to go for the knockout.
When the stats flashed up on a graphic during the fight, one commentator forlornly said: “You look at the numbers, and I hate to say it, but they’re kinda sad.”
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Fans watching the action from home on Netflix were also left disappointed.
One said: “It was just sad to see a legend like Mike Tyson not able to do much inside the ring.”
Another wrote: “Mike Tyson’s next contract should call for him to land at least 25 punches.”
A third added: “Stayed up to watch a sparring session and no one could land a punch. 28 per cent jab accuracy is comically pathetic for Jake Paul against a 58-year-old Tyson who wouldn’t throw a punch.”
And a fourth quipped: “I’d make a joke but I’m afraid it won’t land.”
Terence Crawford also weighed in and was not afraid to speak his mind about Tyson’s lacklustre performance.
He wrote: “I love Mike Tyson, but they giving him too much credit.
“He looked like trash, to train that long and only throw 97 punches the whole fight is crazy. I’m just glad he didn’t get hurt out there.”
Paul was booed when he came out to the ring in a customised green Chevvy in a $1million diamond-encrusted silver outfit.
Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson round-by-round
MIKE TYSON’s long-awaited return to the ring didn’t have the fairytale ending fight fans dreamed of.
SunSport’s boxing expert Wally Downes Jr recaps one of the drabbest and most forgettable nights in boxing history.
And he didn’t hold back, issuing a scathing assessment of social media sensation Jake Paul.
Round One
Paul says “I love you, Mike” just before the opening bell sounds. He quickly runs away and holds the boxing legend.
Tyson draws a big reaction from the crowd as he lands a jab and a good right hand.
Verdict: 10-9 Tyson
Round Two
Paul ran away in the opener and held – just like we thought he would.
Tommy Fury had it first and now Mike Tyson. It’s clever because Tyson will tire. Paul tags Tyson’s body with a straight right.
Tyson looks spent now. 180 seconds in and the fight looks over.
Verdict: 10-9 Tyson
Round Three
The legend cannot even keep his gumshield in. As expected it’s a waste of time. Paul has run away until the 58-year-old has tired.
Shooting ducks in a barrel now. Tyson might get hurt here. Paul lands a couple of clumsy shots and Tyson wobbles backwards.
Tragic after three.
Verdict: 10-9 Paul
Round Four
This is proper rubbish. The crowd are bored and boos are being heard.
This is just two tired big lumps going at it. One a legend, one a promoter.
Verdict 10-9 Paul
Round Five
Paul jabs the body and aims right for the head and another one-two clips the icon.
Tyson cannot keep his mouthpiece in, he is gasping for air. Paul lands a left hook but then so does Tyson.
Verdict 10-9 Paul
Round Six
Thank God these weren’t three-minute rounds. We are getting about four punches per round.
Tyson is gasping in the air but replays show a left hook did graze Paul’s beard.
Verdict 10-9 Paul
Round Seven
Tyson slips a jab and tries an uppercut. The commentator admits it has been a “sad” spectacle.
The AT&T stadium has been utterly stunk out. Paul is looking just as tired as Tyson.
Verdict 10-9 Paul
Round Eight
Go back to YouTube, Jake. You’re an excellent conman. But you’ve never been a boxer.
The Judges decide: 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73. I’m glad Tyson gets paid and has stayed safe.
But what a laughable performance from Paul to add to his stinker with Tommy Fury.
Verdict 10-9 Paul
SunSport’s final scorecard – 78-74 for Jake Paul
Tyson – who kept things simple with an old-school black robe – started strongly after the first bell and landed a couple of decent hits.
However, Paul’s tactic was simple – to run away from his opponent and wear him out.
And it worked a treat as the 58-year-old puffed his way to the end, biting on his gloves and just about still standing but unable to do any damage.
So there was no surprise when Paul’s unanimous points victory was announced.
Tyson, incredibly, refused to call time on his boxing career after his seventh professional defeat – nearly 20 years after his sixth.
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Instead, he called out Jake’s older brother Logan – who immediately responded by claiming he would “kill” the ageing icon.
Both Tyson and Paul will be suspended on medical grounds for 24 days following the contest as per the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation rules.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
