The highly anticipated fight night between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on November 15, 2024, ended in controversy. Paul won by unanimous decision after eight rounds, with scores of 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73. However, Tyson, who hadn’t fought in 19 years, was criticized for his lackluster performance. Jake Paul admitted after the fight that he intentionally held back, claiming he didn’t want to hurt Tyson, and described his opponent’s power as less than expected.
The night featured a stacked undercard, beginning with a thrilling rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano. Taylor retained her title in a razor-thin decision, but Serrano’s camp accused her of intentional headbutts after the Puerto Rican suffered a brutal cut above her eye. Other notable fights included Mario Barrios and Abel Ramos, whose draw for the WBC Welterweight title captivated fans, and Bruce Carrington’s hard-fought win against Dana Coolwell.
The atmosphere surrounding the Tyson-Paul main event was divisive. Many felt the matchup was exploitative given Tyson’s age, with some calling it “elderly abuse”. Critics questioned whether the spectacle of the fight overshadowed the sport’s integrity. Despite the negative reactions, Paul and Tyson both walked away with substantial earnings, ensuring the event’s financial success.
The Main Event: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson
The main event saw Jake Paul (10-1, 7 KOs) take on boxing legend Mike Tyson (50-7, 44 KOs) in an unconventional match. The bout featured 14-ounce gloves and two-minute rounds, deviating from standard professional rules.
Paul used his youth and agility to stay on the outside and rack up points, while Tyson attempted to close the distance with bursts of aggression. Ultimately, Paul secured a unanimous decision victory. The fight, however, felt more like a carefully choreographed sparring session than an intense competition, leaving fans divided on its authenticity.
Controversy and Online Reaction
Criticism erupted online shortly after the event. Many questioned the fight’s legitimacy, suggesting it resembled an exhibition rather than a professional bout. Speculations about a “gentleman’s agreement” to avoid knockouts added fuel to the fire, especially given Paul’s reluctance to engage Tyson in exchanges where the latter’s famed power could shine.
Additionally, the age gap—Tyson is 58, while Paul is 27—sparked ethical concerns about the matchup. Fans voiced frustrations on social media, accusing the fight of being more about entertainment and profit than sport, particularly as the rumored purse neared $80 million.
Despite the backlash, the event drew significant viewership, marking another milestone in the era of influencer-driven boxing. Netflix’s live streaming of the event also showcased its growing interest in combining sports with entertainment.
Overall, while Paul emerged victorious in the ring, the mixed reactions highlight the complexities of blending traditional sports with modern entertainment spectacles.
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