Sydney Thomas has no regrets about the big life change she made earlier this year: breaking up with her boyfriend. For the 21-year-old University of Alabama student and ring girl who went viral during the highly publicized Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight, the decision to focus solely on herself proved to be a pivotal one.
Before the November 15 event at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, where Jake Paul, 27, triumphed over Mike Tyson, 58, Thomas told PEOPLE that she was determined to eliminate distractions from her life.
“I was at a point where I just wanted to become the best version of myself,” Thomas shared. “I needed to take everything that was distracting me out of the picture, so yes, I broke up with my boyfriend.”
A Difficult but Transformative Decision
The decision to end her relationship wasn’t easy for Thomas, who jokingly questioned if she might have been “having a midlife crisis or something.” Still, she recognized it was a necessary step for her personal growth.
“It was hard to do, but in the end, I think it paid off,” she said. “Now, I feel like I can handle any situation on my own.”
Thomas credits the breakup with allowing her to channel her energy into self-improvement and focus on her goals. This mindset, she says, played a significant role in her preparation for the Tyson-Paul fight, which was streamed globally on Netflix.
Locked in for the Spotlight
Heading into the event, Thomas adopted a rigorous routine to ensure she was ready for her big moment in the spotlight.
“I was very locked into everything—gym, eating, all of it—because obviously, you want to look your best when you’re on Netflix in front of millions of people,” Thomas said.
To maintain her focus, Thomas avoided distractions, including social outings with friends. “I didn’t spend a lot of time going out or doing anything that could take away from my preparation,” she explained. “I was so locked into this opportunity.”
Embracing Her Single Era
Now thriving in her “single era,” Thomas says she has no interest in relationships or dating for the time being. Even the influx of messages from admirers hasn’t fazed her.
“I’m so not focused on any of that right now,” Thomas revealed. “I don’t even care to read through the DMs. I’m happy with myself, and that’s where all my energy is going.”
Instead, Thomas has committed to spending time alone, focusing on personal development. “I’m very invested in myself,” she said. “Anything I can do to become a better version of me is where I spend my time.”
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A Holistic Approach to Self-Care
Thomas emphasizes that her self-care routine extends beyond physical fitness. “I spend a lot of time working out, going on walks, and cooking to stay healthy,” she shared. “I also focus on my mental health by journaling, praying, and staying grounded.”
By dedicating herself to her own well-being, Thomas has not only prepared for high-profile moments like the Tyson-Paul fight but also discovered a sense of fulfillment and independence.
“I’ve learned so much about myself through this journey,” she said. “And right now, I’m just enjoying where I am and the person I’m becoming.”
As Thomas continues to thrive, her story serves as a reminder that sometimes stepping away from distractions—no matter how difficult—can lead to incredible personal growth and new opportunities.
