Jake Paul may have clinched victory in Friday night’s highly anticipated boxing match, but it was Sydney Thomas, a 20-year-old University of Alabama student, who stole the spotlight. Serving as the event’s “ring girl,” Thomas’s magnetic presence captured the hearts of millions, catapulting her to viral fame.
Thomas’s unexpected rise began during the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight at AT&T Stadium, where her confident strut and dazzling appearance made her an instant social media phenomenon. Fans flooded platforms like TikTok and Instagram with praise, making her a trending topic within hours.
In response to the overwhelming attention, Thomas shared her excitement on TikTok, posting a video on Saturday with the caption, “I’m happy you guys enjoyed the broadcast!!” accompanied by a laughing-crying emoji and a heart emoji. Another post humorously read, “Waking up to see I’m trending for the Tyson v Paul fight.”
Her TikTok account, boasting nearly 800,000 followers, became a hub for fans eager to connect with the rising star. She also took to Instagram, where her following has swelled to over 400,000, to express her gratitude. In her Instagram story, she wrote, “I woke up to an overwhelming amount of love and support from all of you. I can’t thank you guys enough or begin to express how grateful I am. I love you all — thank you for your kind words.”
Reflecting on the unforgettable night, Thomas shared another heartfelt post on Instagram. “Getting the opportunity to step into the ring with @MikeTyson and @JakePaul for such a historic fight is something I never imagined I’d be able to say,” she wrote. “Words can’t describe this moment or how grateful I am to be part of such an amazing team at @MostValuablePromotions. History was made, and I’m truly honored to have been a part of it.”
The boxing match itself was a spectacle, drawing a record-breaking crowd of 72,300 fans to the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium. With an impressive $17.8 million in ticket sales, the event set a new benchmark for the largest boxing gate outside of Las Vegas. An estimated 60 million viewers streamed the event globally, further cementing its place in history.
In the ring, Jake Paul, 27, proved his mettle against 58-year-old Mike Tyson, who was returning to professional boxing after nearly two decades. Paul dominated the eight two-minute rounds, securing a unanimous decision with scores of 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73. Tyson, a boxing legend, garnered attention of his own by repeatedly chewing on his gloves during the match.
For Thomas, the night was a turning point in her budding career. From a college student and model to a viral sensation, she now finds herself at the center of the public eye. Her poised yet humble responses have only amplified her appeal, leaving fans eager to see what’s next for the charismatic ring girl who lit up one of the most iconic nights in boxing history.
As the dust settles from the historic bout, one thing is clear: Sydney Thomas may have entered the ring to highlight the fight, but she left it as the undisputed star of the night.
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