How Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson reality compared to ‘leaked fight script’
A fake script circulated online claiming to show how Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson would play out but the reality turned out to be very different at AT&T Stadium
Jake Paul beat Mike Tyson in an eight-round contest that went down completely differently to how some expected. Paul completely outclassed and outlasted the 58-year-old legend as their 31-year age gap made all the difference.
Ahead of the fight, a fake script was circulated on social media ahead of the fight claiming to show how it would unfold. It said Paul would win via a knockout in round five but also gave far more supposed details of the bout.
In reality, it was obviously completely wrong. The only time Paul really troubled Tyson was in round three, but a knockout never looked likely as he dictated the pace but did little to risk finishing Tyson. Here’s a comparison of the ‘scripted’ fight compared to our round-by-round breakdown watching from AT&T Stadium.
Round 1
Script: The opening bell rings and Tyson, showing flashes of his old form, immediately stalks forward with his signature bob-and-weave style. Paul maintains distance, circling the ring cautiously. Tyson lands a few jabs but Paul’s youth shows in his superior mobility. Paul connects with a quick one-two combination before retreating. Tyson’s timing appears slightly off, his punches a fraction slower than in his prime.
Reality: Tyson starts on the front foot and tries to pressure Paul. He walks him back to the ropes early on but he slips away and looks to use his movement.
Paul lands a big overhand right which briefly knocks Tyson back, and he tried to establish the jab while staying away from the veteran. Ultimately, there were very few punches landed but it’s Paul who looks the more comfortable, as you’d expect with his age.
Round 2
Script: Tyson comes alive, cutting off the ring more effectively. He lands a thunderous left hook to Paul’s body that draws a collective gasp from the crowd. Paul weathers the storm, using his reach advantage to pepper Tyson with long jabs. The younger fighter’s stamina becomes evident as he bounces on his toes, while Tyson’s breathing grows heavier.
Reality: Tyson tries to throw a quick combination, and eh also throws a good right hook to the body at the halfway stage. But Paul is clearly the quicker man and wrap up nicely at one stage when Tyson tries to smother him.
The fans are cheering for Tyson, who is holding the centre of the ring but not really getting close to his much younger opponent
Round 3
Script: Paul gains confidence, starting to plant his feet more. He lands a sharp right cross that momentarily stuns Tyson. The former champion responds with a vintage combination, but Paul slips most of it. The speed difference becomes more apparent as Paul begins finding his range with his jab. Tyson’s legendary head movement starts to slow.
Reality: Tyson comes out fast and charges at Paul, but he slips away. And Paul lands a nice left-hook counter then appears to rock Tyson just 30 seconds into the round.
The heavyweight was briefly unsteady on his feet then a nice one-two combination rocked him again with a minute still left in the round. Paul held off going for the kill,, clearly wary of Tyson’s power, but still kept picking his shots nicely. It’s all Paul after three rounds.
Round 4
Script: Fatigue sets in for Tyson, though his punches still carry devastating power. Paul establishes his rhythm, landing increasingly clean shots. A particularly sharp right hand opens a cut above Tyson’s left eye. The old champion bulls forward, trying to close distance, but Paul’s footwork keeps him just out of range. The tide is turning.
Reality: After appearing to have Tyson hurt in the previous round, Paul seemingly slowed things down in round 4. A sceptic would suggest he was starting to realize how to carry his opponent the distance.
Paul was comfortable throughout, starting to control the middle of the ring and dictate the tempo more and more as the fight continued.
Round 5
Script: The decisive round. Paul, sensing Tyson’s fatigue, begins to press forward more aggressively. He lands a crisp three-punch combination that backs Tyson to the ropes. As Tyson tries to weave away, Paul times him perfectly with a devastating right hand that catches his flush on the chin. Tyson’s legs buckle and he drops to the canvas. The referee begins the count, but Tyson, despite his warrior’s heart, cannot beat the ten count. Winner: Jake Paul by KO, Round 5
Reality: By this stage, Paul was using the jab more and more and it became apparent Tyson was in survival mode, throwing very little back but trying to move around the ring. Paul was content to dictate the pace without taking too many risks.
Round 6
Reality: Tyson has landed only 15 punches entering round six, and by this stage it is a sorry affair. Paul is almost taking pity, throwing just enough punches to demonstrate it is still a fight but not too much to trouble his flagging opponent.
Round 7
Reality: There’s a brief sign of life at the start of the round as Tyson comes out and throws a powerful left hand. But after that, he offers nothing else of note.
Paul, on the other hand, had a flurry in the final 20 seconds, landing a nice 1-2 to the head then 1-2 to the body to ensure there’s no doubt it’s another round in his favor.
Round 8
Reality: Tyson throws a few more punches in one last throw of the dice. But by this stage, any of his power has been sapped and he has little left in the tank.
