Sydney Thomas, a student at the University of Alabama, now has more than 627,000 followers on Instagram
Sydney Thomas/Instagram
After Thomas, 20, stole the show during the highly-anticipated match between Paul and Tyson at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas — in which Paul defeated Tyson after eight rounds — the popular ring girl said she’s received “overwhelming” support from new fans on social media.
In a post on her Instagram Stories, Thomas 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,” per the New York Post.
“I love you all — thank you for your kind words,” she told her new followers.
As of Nov. 19, the University of Alabama student has amassed over 627,000 followers on Instagram with another 930,000 on TikTok.
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Sydney Thomas/Instagram
The ring girl’s TikTok on Nov. 16 shows her waking up in a bed with the words, “Waking up to see I’m trending for the Tyson v Paul fight,” written above. In a voiceover, Thomas excitedly says “Oh my god,” in reaction to the exciting news.
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Fans swarmed Thomas’ social media accounts with compliments and words of encouragement after the fight. One user told Thomas she was “the best part” of the fight, while another said, “SYDNEY THOMAS WAS THE MAIN EVENT.”
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Thomas reflected on what the opportunity to get in the ring with Paul and Tyson meant to her in a post on Instagram after the fight.
“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,” Thomas began.
“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.”
In her Instagram Q&A on Nov. 17, Thomas revealed that she was discovered on social media and the Tyson-Paul fight was her second time in the ring after debuting at an October fight in Puerto Rico for Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions.