The co-main event between Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor proved to be the most epic fight of the night as the two rivals went the full 10 rounds for the WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring female light-welterweight titles.
Despite Serrano landing 107 more punches than her opponent — and Taylor losing a point due to a headbutt deduction — Taylor was controversially named the winner in a unanimous decision by the three judges. That only added insult to an already brutal injury sported by Serrano by the end of the bout.
The 36-year-old from Puerto Rico sported an absolutely brutal cut above her right eye and posted a quite graphic close-up photo of the gash after the fight.
Follow along for live updates and results from the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing event at the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium.
ARLINGTON, Texas – MMA Junkie was on the scene and reporting live from Friday’s Netflix boxing event headlined by [autotag]Jake Paul[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Mike Tyson[/autotag].
In one of the unlikeliest of matchups, Tyson, a 58-year-old legend of the ring, returned to fight 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-prizefighter Paul in a heavyweight bout scheduled for eight 2-minute rounds. The fight headlined streaming giant Netflix’s first foray into live combat sports at the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium.
The Paul vs. Tyson event also featured perhaps the biggest women’s fight of the year in the co-main event as [autotag]Katie Taylor[/autotag] and [autotag]Amanda Serrano[/autotag] squared off in a rematch of their 2022 Fight of the Year, which Taylor won by split decision.
The seven-fight lineup began with prelims at 5:30 p.m. ET, which streamed on the Netflix Sports YouTube channel. The main card started at 8 p.m. ET and streamed on Netflix, available to anyone with a Netflix subscription.
Check out our up-to-the-minute results and behind-the-scenes from the event below.
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson lineup, results
Heavyweight: Jake Paul def. Mike Tyson via unanimous decision (80-72, 79-73, 79-73)
Super lightweight: Katie Taylor def. Amanda Serrano via (95-94, 95-94, 95-94) – for Taylor’s IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO women’s super lightweight titles
Welterweight: Mario Barrios vs. Abel Ramos ruled split draw (112-114, 116-110, 113-113) – for Barrios’ WBC welterweight title
Super middleweight: Neeraj Goyat def. Whindersson Nunes via unanimous decision (59-55, 60-54, 60-54)
Super middleweight: Shadasia Green def. Melinda Watpool via split decision (97-93, 94-96, 96-94) – for vacant women’s WBO super middleweight title
Super lightweight: Lucas Bahdi def. Armando Casamonica via majority decision (95-95, 96-93, 98-92)
Featherweight: Bruce Carrington def. Dana Coolwell via unanimous decision (80-70, 80-70, 80-70)
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson prelims live stream
Jake Paul wins lackluster unanimous decision over Mike Tyson
After eight rounds of action, Jake Paul won a unanimous decision over Mike Tyson, with scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73.
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: Round 8 recap
With just two minutes remaining, the crowd rose to its feet hoping to see one last moment of magic from Tyson. Paul kept the action going with combinations as Tyson remained in his defensive position, trying to evade the incoming shots. After the 10-second warning, Paul bowed in respect to Tyson as the final seconds ticked away.
Tyson connected with a couple of punches to begin the round, which woke the crowd up. However, the moment was short-lived, and the boo birds were once again chirping. Paul offered a left jab throughout the round, and occasionally put together a combination to stay busy.
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: Round 6 recap
Paul continued to lead the dance by offering quick punches as he circled around the ring. The crowd chanted for Tyson, hoping to draw out a big moment. Paul continued to work relatively consistently, mixing up punches to the body and head. However, Tyson’s lack of action drew more boos from the crowd.
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: Round 5 recap
Tyson circled more than the previous round, but could not muster up enough offense to prevent Paul from firing punches to the body with the left hand. Tyson got in one solid punch, but Paul responded with a left, and evaded Tyson’s next offering. The round concluded with Tyson missing a left hand. Displeased with the action, the crowd’s boos grew louder.
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: Round 4 recap
Paul remained cautious as he pumped out the left jab. Punches in combination landed for Paul as Tyson stood in the center of the ring. With fatigue clearly a factor for Tyson, he didn’t offer much offensively, but was still quick with head movement in spots.
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: Round 3 recap
Tyson came out of the gates fast in Round 3 with heavy punches. Paul was able to evade damage and circle away, though. After the reset, Paul put to get a series of left hands that landed cleanly. Paul then went back to the body before landing a left upstairs. Tyson appeared to show fatigue as Paul found success.
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: Round 2 recap
Tyson bounced around left and right, eventually landing a looping left hook to counter Paul. As Paul pumped out a left jab, Tyson showed off quick head movement in his peek-a-boo style. Paul reset and targeted the body. Tyson looked for a big looping left hand right at the bell, but it didn’t connect.
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: Round 1 recap
Tyson came out charging at Paul, who quickly circled away and clinched. Tyson connected with a solid left hand. A right hand was not far behind it. Tyson kept the pressure up, coming forward with punches, prompting another clinch from Paul. The crowd booed Paul slowing down the action. After the separation, Paul whiffed on a big right hand. A moment later though, he connected with a quicker right. Tyson kept on the hunt until the bell.
Amanda Serrano shows off insane cut over right eye
Shortly after losing a heartbreaking decision to Katie Tayor, Amanda Serrano showed off a close-up shot of the damage above her right eye, which was caused primarily by a headbutt.
To my fans I’m going to always give it everything I have. I’m a ruthless warrior & Katie is my buddy but Damn her best attribute is her head. No punching power but hard ass head lol. pic.twitter.com/6WlyNUH5Uj
Mike Tyson conducted a pre-fight interview in his locker room, allowing the world to see much more than expected. After Tyson shook hands with the interviewer at the end, he turned to walk away, revealing his entire rear end.
Katie Taylor retains titles in razor-thin unanimous decision
After Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano went to war again, the judges all saw the fight the exact same, turning in identical scores of 95-94 in favor of Taylor, who retains her IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO women’s super lightweight titles.
The crowd rose to their feet for the final round which started at a ridiculous pace. Once again, both fighters just obliged to throw hammers in close proximity. Midway through, Serrano appeared to rock Taylor, but she soon responded with a combination of hooks. Serrano kept firing back as Taylor looked to clinch. The crowd roared in the closing moments as they traded shots until the final bell.
Throwing caution to the wind, the fighting in a phone booth continued to start Round 9. Fast punching exchanges repeatedly occurred as they remained within inches of each other. Serrano appeared to get the better of a majority of the exchanges as Taylor initiated a couple of clinches to slow the action.
Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano: Round 8 recap
Continuing to keep the pressure on Taylor, Serrano marched forward with punches, and found success early in Round 8. Once again, they decided to meet in the middle and brawl it out. The referee paused the action to warn for headbutts from Taylor, and in fact, deducted a point.
Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano: Round 7 recap
Both fighters seemingly agreed to just meet in the middle and throw down, bringing the crowd to their feet. Both landed big punches as the action reached its peak. For a moment, they slowed, but quickly got right back into it. Taylor appeared more sharp as the blood flowed from Serrano’s cut.
Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano: Round 6 recap
Serrano turned up the aggression a little in Round 6. She quickly closed in offering punches, but Taylor landed well in counters too. A nasty cut was opened over the right eye of Serrano after an accidental headbutt, causing the fight to be paused. After the doctor checked on it, the fight resumed, much to the delight of the crowd. Despite the cut, Serrano continued to march forward as she traded punches with Taylor, who continued to get the better of the exchanges.
With the bruising building on Serrano’s face, Taylor continued her approach from the outside. When Serrano swung with punches as she came forward, Taylor ducked under and circled or clinched to stay out of danger. On the exit, Taylor offered a few quick punches to score.
Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano: Round 4 recap
Taylor backed herself into the ropes early in the round, but unleashed furious combinations to draw big reactions from the crowd. Serrano stayed put and attempted to return fire, but it appeared Taylor figured out how to deal with Serrano’s pressure as she connected with a pair of clean left hands in the closing seconds. Serrano added a big punch of her own though right before the bell.
Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano: Round 3 recap
Working behind a left jab and staying light on her feet from the outside, Taylor connected well while avoiding Serrano’s offerings. That didn’t stop Serrano from marching forward looking to land, but Taylor appeared more aware of what was coming her way, in what looked like her best round yet.
Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano: Round 2 recap
Serrano continued with her steady forward movement to begin Round 2. She connected with a few clean strikes, but Taylor was right there ready to fire back. After a clinch, Taylor landed a nice combination as she managed the forward pressure from Serrano.
Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano: Round 1 recap
Serrano looked to set the tone early by controlling the center of the ring, and initiated the first big combination of the fight, pushing Taylor into the corner. Taylor circled away from danger, but Serrano continued to stalk forward with punches, keeping Taylor on the outside. In the closing seconds, Serrano blasted Taylor with a big punch to get a big reaction from the crowd.
Take a look inside Mike Tyson’s locker room, courtesy of ‘Stitch’ Duran
Mike Tyson will lace up the gloves once more, and will do so in a very comfortable locker room at AT&T Stadium. Take a look inside thanks to this video by Tyson’s cutman Jacob “Stitch” Duran:
Mario Barrios, Abel Ramos fight to split draw; Barrios retains title
It was a competitive fight throughout. So much so that the judges couldn’t determine a winner. One judge scored the fight 116-110 for the incoming champion Barrios. Another scored the fight 112-114 for the challenger Ramos. The third and final judge scored the fight even at 113-113, making the fight a split draw, and therefore Barrios retains his WBC welterweight title.
Mario Barrios, Abel Ramos trade knockdowns in competitive title fight
The WBC welterweight title bout between Mario Barrios and Abel Ramos has been a thriller. Both fighters have scored big knockdowns in the fight, but both have recovered well to remain competitive in this fun fight.
Between rounds of Mario Barrios vs. Abel Ramos, a video of Mike Tyson’s arrival played on the video screens, which drew the loudest reaction of the night thus far.
Neeraj Goyat toys with Whindersson Nunes in shutout victory
Neeraj Goyat made it look easy against Whindersson Nunes in the main card opener. Goyat showed off his elusive defense and fast hands over six rounds, only dropping one round in the eyes of one of the official ringside judges. The unanimous decision scores read 59-55, 60-54 and 60-54.
Naturally, with Paul vs. Tyson taking place at AT&T Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, it’s only right the world-famous Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders open the main card with a routine on the entrance walkway.
YOU’VE BEEN THUNDERSTRUCK… and so was the cameraman.
Jake Paul shamed by advertisement truck outside of AT&T Stadium
Someone driving an advertisement truck outside of AT&T Stadium really wanted their feelings to be known about Jake Paul taking on a 58-year-old Mike Tyson.
Boxing legend Lennox Lewis says Jake Paul will be ‘scared’ of Mike Tyson
Lennox Lewis shared the ring with Mike Tyson in 2002, and won by knockout in the eighth round. It’s safe to say he knows a thing or two about Tyson, and he believes Jake Paul will be running away after he realizes what he’s gotten himself into.
Three-time world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis is in Dallas for #PaulTyson:
“Not many people have stepped in the ring with Mike Tyson and can talk about it. Only I can.” pic.twitter.com/5kVDzC0Mvb
Shadasia Green went toe-to-toe in a closely contested fight against Melinda Watpool for the vacant women’s WBO super middleweight title. After 10 rounds, the judges were split, with two seeing the fight for Green with scores of 97-93 and 96-94 in her favor. The dissenting judge scored the fight 94-96 in Watpool’s direction.
Paul vs. Tyson merch tables feature $40 tees and $300 autographs
Want merch? There’s plenty of it here with multiple tees and hoodies featuring the Paul vs. Tyson matchup. There are also multiple autograph stands by Fiterman Sports with various Paul and Tyson autographs available, including signed boxing gloves.
Lucas Bahdi and Armando Casamonica slugged it out for 10 rounds. Despite their best efforts to put either other out, the fight reached the final bell where Bahdi was declared the winner by majority decision with scores of 95-95, 96-93 and 98-92.
Most Valuable Promotions touts Texas combat sports live gate record
According to Most Valuable Promotions via press release, the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson card has “shattered” the Texas combat sports live gate record:
“Paul vs. Tyson gate has surpassed $17.8 million, nearly double the previous Texas gate record for combat sports in both boxing and MMA, obliterating Canelo’s record of $9 million.”
In addition, the promotion says it has beaten any boxing event outside of Las Vegas:
“Paul vs. Tyson’s gate is also higher than any non-Las Vegas UFC gate in history, other than McGregor vs Alvarez in NYC per public records.”
“Shu Shu” Carrington brings pressure in opening bout
Bruce Carrington put pressure on Dana Coolwell from the opening bell, leading to a unanimous decision victory to open the preliminary card.
Check out these photos highlighting Katie Taylor’s unanimous decision win over Amanda Serrano in their rematch at AT&T Stadium.
Check out these photos highlighting [autotag]Katie Taylor[/autotag]’s unanimous decision win over [autotag]Amanda Serrano[/autotag] in their rematch that co-headlined the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Netflix event at the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium. (Photos by Imagn Images and Getty Images)
Nov 30, 2019; Auburn, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Things got a bit messy during the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson co-main event between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano.
[autotag]Amanda Serrano[/autotag] suffered a gnarly in the fourth round of her bout vs. [autotag]Katie Taylor[/autotag], which served as the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson co-main event.
In front of more than 70,000 fans at AT&T Stadium on Friday in Arlington, Texas, Serrano battled the elements, including one over her right eye. The cut was gnarly and examined by the ringside doctor on multiple occasions. In the sixth round, a clash of heads occurred that made the cut even worse. The doctor was called in but deemed Serrano able to continue.
Between Rounds 6 and 7, Serrano’s corner voiced displeasure with the clash, calling it a “headbutt.” However, the action continued on, and the fight reached its conclusion but not without Taylor being docked a point.
To my fans I’m going to always give it everything I have. I’m a ruthless warrior & Katie is my buddy but Damn her best attribute is her head. No punching power but hard ass head lol. pic.twitter.com/6WlyNUH5Uj
Another instant classic from Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano was marred by headbutts, a nasty cut and a controversial decsion.
How was that for an encore from [autotag]Katie Taylor[/autotag] and [autotag]Amanda Serrano[/autotag]? And also, how about some more controversy?
Just like their first fight, Taylor and Serrano delivered another instant classic Friday night at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, where Taylor outlasted Serrano to remain the undisputed super lightweight champion. After 10 epic rounds, all three judges scored the fight 95-94 for Taylor, despite Taylor having a point deducted by referee Jon Schorle for multiple headbutts that caused a nasty cut over Serrano’s right eye.
Taylor often led with her head in the early going of the fight. Then in Round 4 she collided with Serrano, whose eye was cut open. Taylor and Serrano clashed heads repeatedly over the course of the final six rounds.
As the eighth round began, Schorle warned Taylor: “You better change something.” When that didn’t happen, Schorle took a point away.
During the ninth round, Taylor’s trainer, Jordan Maldonado, spoke to ringside reporter Ariel Helwani about the situation up to that point.
“She’s so dirty,” Maldonado said of Taylor. “She leads with her head. That’s her best attribute.”
A giant screen above the ring shows a close up of Puerto Rican boxer Amanda Serrano’s wounded eyebrow arch during the super-lightweight world championship boxing bout against Irish boxer Katie Taylor fight at The Pavilion at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, November 15, 2024. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP) (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images)
After the fight, Serrano didn’t hold back on her feelings about the headbutts being intentional.
“I think 100 percent because she does it in every fight,” Serrano said. “… It is what it is.”
Despite the unexpected adversity she faced, Serrano landed more than Taylor by a wide margin of 324-217 and at a better clip of 44-41 percent. The headbutts from Taylor and controversial decision took away from an all-time classic that evolved into a full-on brawl as the rounds wore on.
Taylor’s victory follows up a controversial split decision win over Serrano when they first met back in 2022.
Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will come face to face at the press conference just two days before their Netflix boxing showdown.
The [autotag]Jake Paul[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Mike Tyson[/autotag] pre-fight press conference takes place Thursday, and you can watch a live stream of the event in the video above.
The press conference will be held at Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas. Paul and Tyson will headline the Netflix boxing event being held Friday at the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium in nearby Arlington.
The fight is scheduled for eight, 2-minutes rounds and has been sanctioned as a fully professional bout by the Texas Department of License and Regulation.
What time does the Paul vs. Tyson press conference start?
The Paul vs. Tyson press conference starts at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
Who’s taking part in the Paul vs. Tyson press conference?
In addition to Paul and Tyson, the co-main eventers, [autotag]Katie Taylor[/autotag] and [autotag]Amanda Serrano[/autotag], will partake in the festivities. Taylor vs. Serrano is a rematch of their April 2022 title-fight showdown, which Taylor won by split decision.
Check out these photos from the pre-fight press conference for the Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry boxing event in Tampa, Fla.
Check out these photos from the pre-fight press conference for MPV’s Fear No Man: [autotag]Jake Paul[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Mike Perry[/autotag] boxing event in Tampa, Fla. (Photos by Esther Lin, MVP)
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 29: LaMelo Ball and Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers talk in the stands before the game against the Golden State Warriors on November 29, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Oct 19, 2013; College Station, TX, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Nick Marshall (14) hands off the ball to running back Tre Mason (21) against the Texas A&M Aggies during the first half at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Amanda Serrano’s bizarre fight cancelation on Saturday night in Puerto Rico: The series of events.
Amanda Serrano had a few days she’ll never forget. For all the wrong reasons.
The popular 126-pound champion was set to defend her titles against Nina Meinke on Saturday night in her native Puerto Rico when, at the last minute, the fight was canceled for one of the most bizarre reasons you’ll ever hear.
Hair dye dripped into her eye, making it impossible for her to see through it. The condition reportedly is called an “exposed cornea.”
This is roughly the series of events that led up to the cancelation only minutes after her co-promoter, Jake Paul, knocked out Ryan Bourland in the first round at a packed Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot in San Juan.
Serrano went to a hair stylist on Thursday night, when she had her hair colored.
A chemical from the treatment dripped into her eye during a training run on Friday, irritating the eye and making it difficult for her to see. Paul added that the chemical also burned her hand.
She notified her promotional company (MVP) that day, co-promoter Nakisa Bidarian told BoxingScene.com. (She wore sunglasses at the weigh-in that afternoon.)
A private doctor examined her that night. “They felt with the prescribed [eye] drops, the irritation in the eye would subside and allow her to perform,” Bidarian told the outlet.
Serrano arrived at the arena on Saturday with the intention of fighting because “her eye was starting to feel better,” said Bidarian.
A Puerto Rico Boxing Commission-appointed doctor examined Serrano during the Javon Walton-Joshua Torres undercard fight – immediately before Paul-Bourland – and ruled that she was unfit to fight.
Serrano, wearing sunglasses, and Meinke entered the ring after the Paul-Bouland fight. Paul, with his arm around a weeping Serrano, announced that the fight was off because of the injury. Many spectators booed.
Paul said that fans would receive full refunds. Also, it was announced that Meinke would be paid. And Paul said the Serrano-Meinke fight would be rescheduled after the eye heals.
Serrano, who acknowledged she couldn’t see out of the eye, apologized profusely and promised that she would return to the famed arena and retire there one day.
Amanda Serrano’s bizarre fight cancelation on Saturday night in Puerto Rico: The series of events.
Amanda Serrano had a few days she’ll never forget. For all the wrong reasons.
The popular 126-pound champion was set to defend her titles against Nina Meinke on Saturday night in her native Puerto Rico when, at the last minute, the fight was canceled for one of the most bizarre reasons you’ll ever hear.
Hair dye dripped into her eye, making it impossible for her to see through it. The condition reportedly is called an “exposed cornea.”
This is roughly the series of events that led up to the cancelation only minutes after her co-promoter, Jake Paul, knocked out Ryan Bourland in the first round at a packed Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot in San Juan.
Serrano went to a hair stylist on Thursday night, when she had her hair colored.
A chemical from the treatment dripped into her eye during a training run on Friday, irritating the eye and making it difficult for her to see. Paul added that the chemical also burned her hand.
She notified her promotional company (MVP) that day, co-promoter Nakisa Bidarian told BoxingScene.com. (She wore sunglasses at the weigh-in that afternoon.)
A private doctor examined her that night. “They felt with the prescribed [eye] drops, the irritation in the eye would subside and allow her to perform,” Bidarian told the outlet.
Serrano arrived at the arena on Saturday with the intention of fighting because “her eye was starting to feel better,” said Bidarian.
A Puerto Rico Boxing Commission-appointed doctor examined Serrano during the Javon Walton-Joshua Torres undercard fight – immediately before Paul-Bourland – and ruled that she was unfit to fight.
Serrano, wearing sunglasses, and Meinke entered the ring after the Paul-Bouland fight. Paul, with his arm around a weeping Serrano, announced that the fight was off because of the injury. Many spectators booed.
Paul said that fans would receive full refunds. Also, it was announced that Meinke would be paid. And Paul said the Serrano-Meinke fight would be rescheduled after the eye heals.
Serrano, who acknowledged she couldn’t see out of the eye, apologized profusely and promised that she would return to the famed arena and retire there one day.
Weekend Review: Raymond Ford and Jake Paul delivered dramatic KOs. Amanda Serrano suffered a bizarre fate.
A critical look at the past week in boxing
BIGGEST WINNER I
Raymond Ford
That’s how you make a statement. Ford, the talented 24-year-old from Camden, New Jersey, was in big trouble as the seconds would down in his battle with Otabek Kholmatov for a vacant 126-pound title Saturday in Verona, New York. He was up on one card (105-104) but behind on the other two (106-103 on both) after 11 entertaining, brutal rounds. He needed multiple knockdowns or a knockout in the final round or the Uzbek would be crowned champion. Ford chose the knockout. He hurt Kholmatov with about 30 seconds left and then seized the remarkable moment, attacking with all the ferocity he had in him before the referee stopped the fight with only seven seconds remaining. It was one of the most memorable stoppages in recent years, one for which Ford certainly will be remembered over the years. So too Kholmatov, unfortunately for him. Rematch? Doesn’t sound likely, at least not immediately. Ford indicated after the fight that he had trouble making 126 and would likely move up to 130. He’ll probably feel stronger at that weight, which could help him avoid scoring deficits going forward. That could mean that no more Hail Marys will be necessary..
I get why Paul riles hardcore boxing fan. The guy came out of nowhere, with no boxing background, a crude skill set and a big mouth. And he makes more money and gets more attention than all but a few genuine boxers. That infuriates people. Not me. I wish boxing had a higher profile and that all legitimate fighters could make enough money to set themselves up for life. God knows they earn it. However, I don’t think it’s right to begrudge Paul what he’s earning, both in dollars and headlines. He’s doesn’t have the ability or experience of the top boxers but no one since Floyd Mayweather is better at self-marketing, which I admire. There obviously is a demand for his goods and he delivers them, fight after fight after fight. And he appears to be improving in the ring. I don’t believe his first-round knockout of the chubby Ryan Bourland on Saturday in Puerto Rico means Paul is ready for the “big leagues,” as he called elite boxing. At the same time I liked his footwork, I liked his jab, I liked his body work. And knockouts are always fun to watch. He seems to be evolving, even it’s happening slowly. Can he beat contenders? God no. Can he continue to deliver entertaining performances against increasingly capable opponents? I believe that’s realistic.
MOST BIZARRE
Serrano-Meinke cancelation
An emotional Amanda Serrano expresses her heartfelt disappointment that she was not cleared to fight tonight. pic.twitter.com/hcTAYuZPgX
The sight of Serrano crying in the ring after her title defense against Nina Meinke was canceled at the last minute was difficult to see. Fighting for her home-country fans in Puerto Rico meant everything to her, more than money, more than legacy, more than anything. The fact officials there wouldn’t allow her to fight because of a bizarre eye injury left her devastated. “I’m sorry from the bottom of my heart,” she said to the crowd at Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot in San Juan as she held back tears. Heartbreaking. The injury? Bizarre might not be a strong enough word. She evidently had her hair dyed on Thursday. On Friday, the dye dripped into her eye and damaged her cornea. And she was declared “medically unfit” to fight. I trust that she – and everyone else who uses dye – will be careful to avoid such an unfortunate mistake going forward. One more thing: Should Serrano or co-promoter Jake Paul have gone public with the news earlier to give spectators the option of staying home? They evidently still hoped she could fight only hours before the opening bell, which made the last-second announcement understandable. And the fact they will provide full refunds and pay Meinke were good moves. Paul said the fight will happen after the eye heals.
