Mike Tyson and Jake Paul's highly anticipated fight set streaming records as tens of millions of fans tuned in for the match. But besides the two boxers, another person present became a breakout star of the event: The ring girl.
Sydney Thomas, who appeared throughout the night in the ring at AT&T Stadium and in pre-match events like the weigh-in, is a 20-year-old student at the University of Alabama and became an overnight sensation thanks to her appearances on screen.
In the aftermath of the fight, she took to social media to express her gratitude and answer follower questions about the experience. "I woke up to an overwhelming amount of love and support from all of you," she wrote on her Instagram Stories, per The New York Post. "I can’t thank you guys enough or begin to express how grateful I am."
As for how she got there in the first place, she explained everything in a social media Q&A.
"I was found through social media," she wrote on Snapchat. "I did my first fight in Puerto Rico a month ago and Paul [vs.] Tyson was my second time in the ring." Her first fight, like this one, was with Paul's Most Valuable Promotions.
@iamsydneythomas im happy you guys enjoyed the broadcast!!😂❤️ #ringcardmodel #paultyson #netflix #mostvaluablepromotions #ringgirl
♬ OH MA GAWD - 𝘮𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘯🍸
She went on to explain that she's finishing school at the University of Alabama a year early and is doing all of her classes online. She's studying management with a focus in entrepreneurship.
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It's been a meteoric rise to fame for Thomas, as she only just started getting her feet wet as a model earlier this year.
"This summer I walked in my first runway show during Miami Swim Week,” she said. “I’ve worked with a few brands as well but I think social media is where I’ve found the greatest publicity to be." Getting some attention from admirers in the stands doesn't hurt. "People are always waving, blowing kisses, etc.," she said. "It's fun to engage with."
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Thomas' online presence led her all the way to spending a night just a few feet away from a legendary heavyweight champ. That proximity, she said, was her favorite part of the night. "It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," she said. "He’s such a legend."
She similarly marked the unforgettable experience with a heartfelt Instagram post.
"Getting the opportunity to step into the ring with Mike Tyson and Jake Paul for such a historic fight is something I never imagined I’d be able to say. Words can’t describe this moment or how grateful I am," she said. "History was made, and I’m truly honored to have been a part of it."
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