In the hours leading up to Mike Tyson‘s highly anticipated fight with Jake Paul last year, a supposed leak began circulating across social media, one that claimed to spell out the fight’s outcome punch by punch.
The document, written like a dramatic screenplay, described how the bout would unfold round by round and predicted a decisive knockout victory for Paul midway through the fight.
The timing was impossible to ignore. Tyson was preparing to step back into the ring against Paul in a heavyweight matchup last November.
The fight itself had already divided fans and fighters alike, blending celebrity appeal with legitimate safety concerns. When the script surfaced just hours before fight night, it added another layer of suspicion to an already controversial event.
Initially, Paul had been favored by bookmakers due to his youth and recent activity. Those odds tightened significantly during fight week, especially after Tyson slapped Paul during their face-off, a moment that reignited belief among fans hoping to see a glimpse of the former champion’s old menace.
Both fighters leaned into the buildup, publicly vowing to knock each other out. Against that backdrop, the fake script felt believable enough to gain traction quickly.
The round-by-round story fans thought they already knew
The fictional account opened by tapping into nostalgia, portraying Tyson as aggressive and dangerous in the early moments.
“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.”
As the script moved into the second round, it leaned heavily into the contrast between Tyson‘s power and Paul‘s stamina.
“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.”
By the third round, the imagined momentum began to swing.
“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.”
Round four painted a clearer picture of decline.
“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.”
The script concluded with a dramatic fifth-round finish.
“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.”
The level of detail gave the illusion of authenticity. For fans already convinced the fight was more spectacle than sport, the script seemed to confirm their suspicions.
Reality tells a much quieter story
When the bell finally rang, the supposed script unraveled almost immediately. Instead of a fifth-round knockout, Tyson went the full eight-round distance with Paul. There was no dramatic collapse, no scripted climax, and no moment that resembled the viral prediction.
The fight itself ultimately disappointed many viewers. Action was limited, momentum shifts were subtle, and the bout failed to deliver on the explosive promises made during the buildup.
The contrast between the fictional narrative and what unfolded in the ring only amplified frustration among fans who had expected something definitive.
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