The much-anticipated bout between legendary boxer Mike Tyson and YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has become the talk of the boxing world—not for its spectacle, but for the controversy it has ignited. Fans allege the fight was rigged, pointing to specific moments where Tyson appeared to pull his punches.
Let’s break down why the fight, streamed live on Netflix, has fans questioning its legitimacy.
The Unexpected Outcome: Jake Paul Beats Mike Tyson
On paper, the match seemed like a David vs. Goliath story with a twist. Jake Paul, the young social media sensation with a fledgling boxing career, faced Mike Tyson, a 58-year-old former heavyweight champion renowned for his ferocity in the ring.
The result? Paul secured a unanimous decision victory, with judges scoring the fight 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73 in his favor. But many fans found the outcome difficult to swallow, arguing that Tyson’s skill, even at his age, should have outclassed Paul.
The Viral Moment That Sparked Rigging Rumors
Fueling the allegations is a widely shared clip from the first round. In the video, Tyson lands a devastating straight left that sends Paul staggering backward. However, instead of capitalizing on the moment, Tyson visibly pulls back, choosing not to pursue his stunned opponent. This peculiar decision has led fans to speculate that Tyson deliberately held back to ensure a predetermined outcome.
One viral post on X (formerly Twitter) captioned the clip:
“Right here is where Mike said, ‘Whoops, I gotta stop or I won’t get paid.’”
The clip quickly gained traction, with fans chiming in to express their doubts:
“Tyson threw the fight. He could have annihilated Jake so many times and so many openings he never took advantage of. Completely rigged.”
“If you watched any of Tyson’s training for this fight, it was like a different person out there. It just seemed like he wasn’t even trying.”
Alleged Fight Script Adds Fuel to the Fire
Rumors of an alleged fight script also surfaced ahead of the match, describing how the bout would unfold round by round, with Paul winning by stopping a fatigued Tyson in the fifth round. While the fight didn’t follow this exact script, fans still suspect the event was orchestrated for entertainment rather than genuine competition.
A Payday for Both Fighters?
The financial aspect of the event further feeds skepticism. Reports suggest that Tyson is set to earn a staggering $20 million from the fight, while Paul’s earnings could reach as high as $40 million. Critics argue that the hefty payouts incentivize both fighters to prioritize theatrics over authenticity.
One fan encapsulated the sentiment, saying:
“This was nothing more than a payday for them. People are suckers.”
Training Videos vs. Fight Night Performance
Another point of contention is the stark contrast between Tyson’s performance in training videos leading up to the fight and his demeanor in the ring. The ferocity, precision, and power seen in his pre-fight preparation were noticeably absent during the match, leading some to believe Tyson was holding back intentionally.
What’s Next for Jake Paul and Mike Tyson?
While fans continue to debate the fight’s authenticity, Jake Paul adds another high-profile win to his boxing record. For Tyson, the fight raises questions about the motivations behind his return to the ring. Both fighters are likely to face increased scrutiny in any future bouts, as fans demand more transparency in high-stakes exhibition matches.
The controversy surrounding the Tyson vs. Paul bout reflects a larger conversation about the legitimacy of celebrity boxing. While there is no concrete evidence to prove the fight was fixed, the viral clip of Tyson pulling back, coupled with the alleged script and the fighters’ multimillion-dollar payouts, leaves room for doubt.
One thing is clear: Whether staged or not, the fight has sparked a frenzy of discussion—and for better or worse, it’s kept both Tyson and Paul in the spotlight.