Jake Paul, the YouTube sensation turned professional boxer, has vehemently denied accusations that his fight against legendary boxer Mike Tyson was staged. The match, which marked Netflix’s debut in live-streamed combat sports, ended in a unanimous decision victory for Paul but sparked widespread speculation about its authenticity.
The fight saw Paul square off against the 58-year-old Tyson, with many fans and critics questioning the legitimacy of the bout. Social media erupted with claims that Tyson was pulling his punches, particularly after a few moments where he seemed to hold back despite landing significant blows on Paul.
Adding fuel to the fire, former boxing champion Carl Froch suggested even before the match that Tyson’s contract might have barred him from knocking out Paul. These rumors gained momentum as fans scrutinized the fight, comparing Tyson’s performance in the ring to his powerful displays in training videos.
Jake Paul addressed the skepticism during an episode of his brother Logan Paul’s podcast. Defending himself and the fight’s integrity, Paul didn’t hold back against critics.
“People were disappointed in Mike’s performance,” Logan remarked on the show. “They were expecting him to go as hard as he does on the pads.”
Mocking his detractors, Jake responded, “Of course people are saying it’s rigged. They see him smashing pads in training, but that’s not the same as facing someone in the ring punching back. You don’t understand my power, speed, and agility that make it hard for him to land punches.”
Paul also pointed out Tyson’s defensive skills, acknowledging the difficulty of landing clean hits on the boxing icon. “He was elusive. I missed a lot of punches because he’s so good at moving to the side,” Jake admitted, though he added that Tyson’s strikes didn’t faze him. “Honestly, I didn’t feel a thing. He didn’t land anything that hurt.”
Meanwhile, Tyson revealed post-fight that he had endured significant health issues, including eight blood transfusions, in the months leading up to the event. Despite this, he chose to step into the ring and went the full distance.
As Paul celebrates another controversial win, he’s already hinting at what’s next. Among potential matchups, he revealed an offer from heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois for a title fight, a challenge Paul says he’s seriously considering.
With no clear plans for his next fight, Paul’s journey in the boxing world continues to generate headlines and debates, ensuring his position as one of the sport’s most polarizing figures.