MIKE TYSON’s long-awaited return to the ring didn’t have the fairytale ending fight fans dreamed of.
The former undisputed heavyweight champion took part in his first professional boxing match in nearly 20 years against YouTuber Jake Paul.
But he failed to turn back the clock with a nostalgic KO and looked every bit his 58 years as he suffered a unanimous decision defeat to the social media sensation.
Tyson landed just 18 punches on his opponent from 97 thrown across the 16 minutes of action.
However, he refused to throw in the towel on his career – and even called out Jake’s brother Logan for a bout in the post-fight aftermath.
Below, SunSport’s boxing expert Wally Downes Jr recaps one of the drabbest and most forgettable nights in boxing history.
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And he didn’t hold back, issuing a scathing assessment of social media sensation 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
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ROUND TWO
Paul ran away in the opener and held – just like we thought he would.
Every time he is in a half-legit fight he loses his bravado, runs away and holds his opponents.
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’s head and body movement is slick enough to dodge slow Paul punches.
Tyson looks spent now. 240 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.
Tyson is barely moving now. He’s just producing the odd shuffle forward which Paul counters.
Barely any punches are being thrown, let alone landed. 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.
Paul’s corner tells him Tyson is slow. Yeah, no s***, man – he’s 58.
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.
Tyson misses a left hook from about 6ft.
Verdict 10-9 Paul
ROUND SIX
Thank God these weren’t three-minute rounds. We are getting about four punches per round.
They literally landed FOUR punches between them in round five. FOUR. F-O-U-R.
Tyson is gasping in the air but replays show a left hook did graze Paul’s beard.
It’s another Jake Paul farce just like the Tommy Fury dance.
Verdict 10-9 Paul
ROUND SEVEN
Tyson slips a jab and tries an uppercut. The commentator admits it has been a “sad” spectacle.
This is perfect for proper boxing – a stark reminder of the levels of this game and the conmen that try to use and abuse it.
Paul lands a hook on Tyson’s tattooed trunk.
ROUND EIGHT
The last round – hopefully of Jake Paul’s boxing career. Mike Tyson showing incredible heart to still be in there.
Thank God this is almost over. Two more slow minutes.
Boos begin to ring out around the stadium again. No doubt Netflix viewers wish the buffering would return.
The AT&T Stadium has been utterly stunk out. Paul is looking just as tired as Tyson.
Go back to YouTube, Jake. You’re an excellent conman. But you’ve never been a boxer.
The judges have their say… 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73 all in favour of Paul.
I’m glad Tyson gets paid and has stayed safe.
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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
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
