The Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight that took place on Friday, November 15, at the Arlington Arena in Texas, sparked widespread controversy among boxing fans, as many wondered whether the fight was staged in favor of Jake Paul, especially after videos spread on social media showing an unexpected performance from the “most ferocious man on the planet.”
Mike Tyson, 58, returned to professional boxing for the first time since 2005, but his performance disappointed fans, as he appeared to lack the ability to make a clear mark in the fight.
The first round saw some exciting moments from Mike Tyson, who managed to land some solid punches against his 27-year-old opponent. However, his performance dropped off noticeably in the following rounds, allowing Jake Paul, known as “The Troublemaker,” to take control of the fight and secure a unanimous decision victory from the judges with scores of 80-72, 79-73, 79-73.
This performance made fans wonder if there were hidden clauses in the fight contract that prevented Tyson from eliminating Jake Paul, in exchange for a $20 million prize.
Social media was awash with accusations that the fight was staged.
“This is exactly where Mike said, ‘Oh I need to stop or I won’t get my money,’” one user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “#staged #TysonPaul.”
Another added:
“A lot of comments say the fight was scripted. I agree, and I’d add that Jake wrote the script himself.”
A third commented:
“It was all staged. Mike was holding his own the whole fight.”
The fight was originally scheduled for July 20, but was postponed after Mike Tyson suffered a serious health problem during a flight, suffering from a stomach ulcer. He was subsequently hospitalized and underwent treatment that caused him to lose 25 pounds.
Tyson later revealed that he had nearly lost his life in June, having undergone eight blood transfusions and lost half of his blood. Tyson considered just being able to get back into the ring after such an ordeal a personal triumph.
“This is one of those situations where you lost, but you still won, ” Tyson wrote on X.
“I’m grateful for what happened last night. No regrets getting back in the ring one last time.”
“I almost died in June,” he added.
“I had eight blood transfusions, lost half my blood, lost 25 pounds in the hospital, and had to fight my way back to health so I could come back. So I consider myself a winner.”
Tyson said he was happy his children got to see him last eight rounds against a fighter half his age. He said that just standing face to face with Jake Paul in a packed arena at Dallas Cowboy Stadium was a unique experience that no man could ask for more than that.
“For my kids to stand with me and see me face a talented fighter half my age in a full arena is an experience no one could ask for. Thank you,” he said .
The Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight was not just a sporting encounter, but an event that raised a lot of controversy and questions. Between the accusations of planning and the health struggles that Tyson went through before the fight, the legacy of “the most ferocious man” remains preserved as one of the greatest boxers in history.
While the debate continues over whether the fight was staged or not, the fact that Tyson was able to return to the ring at this age after major health challenges shows his willpower and desire to continue to impress, even in times of loss.
