The Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match, billed as a clash of generations, turned into a spectacle for all the wrong reasons. The fight, which aired live on Netflix from AT&T Stadium, ended with Paul winning by unanimous decision, but the real headlines came from the audience’s disappointment and the surprising behind-the-scenes struggles revealed by Tyson.
Fans were left unimpressed by the action, with boos echoing through the 72,300-strong crowd as the bout progressed. Tyson, 58, landed just 18 punches out of 97 thrown, while Paul, 27, managed 78 out of 278. The slow pace and lack of engagement frustrated viewers, with some critics even labeling it a “snoozefest.”
SNL takes aim at the fight
The fight didn’t escape the sharp humor of Saturday Night Live. During the “Weekend Update” segment, Michael Che and Colin Jost quipped, “Jake Paul and Mike Tyson teamed up to defeat everyone watching,” summarizing the sentiment of many fans who expected more from the event.
Despite the lukewarm reception, the fight delivered historic numbers. Netflix reported that over 60 million users tuned in to watch the event, making it one of the platform’s most-viewed live events. Additionally, the gate revenue surpassed $17.8 million, marking the largest boxing gate outside of Las Vegas in U.S. history.
Tyson opens up about his pre-fight struggles
In a surprising revelation, Tyson shared that his journey to the fight was far from smooth. Posting on X, the former heavyweight champion disclosed that he nearly died in June due to severe health complications, including losing half his blood and undergoing eight transfusions.
“This is one of those situations where you lost but still won,” Tyson wrote. “I’m grateful for last night. To stand toe to toe with a talented fighter half my age in front of a packed stadium was an experience no man has the right to ask for.”
While the fight didn’t deliver the thrills fans hoped for, it marked a significant cultural and financial moment, proving once again that boxing is as much about the stories outside the ring as the punches inside it. Whether this event boosts Jake Paul’s boxing legitimacy or marks Tyson’s true farewell, its legacy is sure to be debated for years to come.
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