Netflix’s highly anticipated boxing event between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul may have frustrated fans with constant buffering, but the night was a significant win for one individual.
Sydney Thomas, a 20-year-old University of Alabama student, became an unexpected star as the livestream faltered, grabbing attention during the weigh-in and throughout the night.
Thomas, who closely resembled actress Sydney Sweeney, was initially spotted standing behind Tyson during a dramatic moment when he slapped Jake Paul.
The viral clip quickly circulated, and viewers became fixated on the blonde ring girl, overshadowing the actual fight.
A model and influencer, Thomas was hired by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) to work as one of the event’s ring girls. As the livestream continued to falter, Thomas became a central talking point on social media, gaining thousands of new followers. Her Instagram handle, @iamsydneythomas, saw a significant boost, rising from 321,000 to 335,000 followers in a short period.
While Thomas hasn’t revealed her next steps, her viral moment suggests she may have a promising future ahead. Following in the footsteps of influencers who’ve turned brief moments of fame into lucrative opportunities, it’s possible that Thomas could see a similar path, especially considering Jake Paul’s media company, Betr, has seen success with the “Talk Tuah” podcast.
For now, it looks like the world hasn’t seen the last of Sydney Thomas.
