Sydney Thomas has opened up about her sudden rise to fame following her role as a ring girl during the highly publicized Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight. The 20-year-old model found herself in the spotlight after the event, which took place at AT&T Stadium on Friday night, capturing the attention of millions of viewers who tuned in to watch the much-anticipated bout.
Following the fight, Thomas took to social media to address the flood of attention she’s received since her appearance.
On Saturday, she posted a TikTok video thanking fans for their support and acknowledging her newfound recognition. “I’m happy you guys enjoyed the broadcast!!” Thomas captioned the TikTok, adding a crying laughing emoji and a heart emoji, a lighthearted response to the overwhelming reaction from fans.
In addition to her TikTok post, Thomas also expressed her gratitude on Instagram, where she boasts over 400,000 followers. She shared a heartfelt message in an Instagram story, writing, “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.” The message was accompanied by a heart emoji, highlighting her appreciation for the outpouring of positive messages.
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Sydney Thomas, currently a student at the University of Alabama, was one of several ring girls present for the historic fight. The event featured 27-year-old Jake Paul facing off against 58-year-old Mike Tyson, marking Tyson’s first officially sanctioned professional fight in 19 years.
Despite the considerable age gap and the long hiatus for Tyson, the fight generated immense interest, with viewers eagerly tuning in to see the legendary boxer take on the controversial YouTuber-turned-boxer.
The fight itself ended with Paul defeating Tyson by unanimous decision. While the action in the ring may have fallen short of some fans’ expectations, the event was nevertheless a massive success, both in terms of box office numbers and viewership.
Netflix, which streamed the fight, announced that over 60 million users tuned in to watch the bout, while the live gate at AT&T Stadium surpassed $17.8 million—setting a record as the biggest boxing gate outside of Las Vegas in U.S. history, with 72,300 fans packing into the home of the Dallas Cowboys.
For Thomas, the experience was not just about being in the spotlight, but also about being part of a historic sporting moment. She shared her excitement in a separate Instagram post, writing, “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. 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.”
Thomas’ presence at the event, along with the other ring girls—Raphaela Milagres, Virginia Sanhouse, Delia Sylvain, and Lexi Williams—added a touch of glamour to the proceedings, and her social media posts have since gone viral, further amplifying her reach.
The overwhelming response to her appearance highlights the power of social media in transforming individuals into overnight sensations, particularly when they are part of such a widely viewed event.
Despite the unexpected surge in fame, Thomas has remained humble, choosing to focus on expressing gratitude for the support she’s received.
As she continues her studies at the University of Alabama, her modeling career appears to be on an upward trajectory, with many fans eager to see what she does next.
Whether it’s continuing her work in the modeling industry or exploring other opportunities, one thing is clear: Sydney Thomas has made a lasting impression on a global audience, and her journey is just beginning.
