The buzz surrounding the live boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul on Netflix has stormed its way through the sporting scene. However, there have been rumors questioning the integrity of the match with news that Tyson may have been paid to lose.
The Jake Paul battles Mike Tyson fights went down in the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Rumors are also circulating that the entire fight between the duo might be staged.
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: A Historic Yet Controversial Showdown
The fight occurred on November 15, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Texas. It will be the first live-streamed boxing event by Netflix. The contenders featured a 27-year-old YouTube influencer turned boxer, Jake Paul, and a 58-year-old boxing legend in Mike Tyson, who would compete for eight rounds. The bout was decided by unanimous decision in favor of Paul, as stated by all judges, scoring the bout 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73.
The bout elicited mixed reactions. Some hailed the show as a great circus event, while others condemned it because it departed from some of the accepted professional boxing standards, such as using 14-ounce gloves instead of the customary 10-ounce gloves. The detractors were quick to point out Tyson was visibly not at his best because of his age and also had suffered a flare-up of an ulcer, which had caused a delay in the fight by several months.
The Rumors and Tyson's Legacy
The basis of speculation regarding the "fix" in the fight results mainly from the monetary aspect with which the event associated itself. Tyson reportedly earned $20 million, while Paul earned $40 million. For some, such figures triggered questions over the possible predetermination of the outcome to make profits and promote Paul's career in boxing. Others considered how the fight went in favor of Paul because Tyson is a storied boxer.
However, there is no viable evidence to support allegations of foul play. Both boxers, during the pre-fight press conferences, testified to their readiness for the fight, and Tyson himself declared his willingness to give his best at this one. During the match itself, there was an obvious lack of physical stamina. The youth and agility that Paul had surely became a trigger for dominating the match.
Verdict: Speculation or Reality?
While rumors about Tyson being paid to lose continue to swirl, they remain just that—rumors. The fight was sanctioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, ensuring it adhered to the basic rules of professional boxing. Furthermore, Tyson has consistently maintained his integrity throughout his career, making it unlikely that he would deliberately tarnish his legacy.
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While both Tyson and Paul have been figures who have come to the limelight with a fair share of controversy, the same happened at the event as well. When Tyson hit Paul, Jake's mother came and hugged him while throwing slurs at Tyson. Tyson is also in the middle of many legal issues, like a rape case that he was convicted for in the year 1992.
As a result, the controversy highlights the conflict between traditional sportsmanship and the spectacle-driven nature of contemporary celebrity boxing. It raises the question of whether this fight will have the same impact on boxing as the first pro-Davis Charles in the wrestling world.
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