Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson is a 2024 sports event that showcased an unprecedented boxing match between social media influencer-turned-professional boxer Jake Paul and former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. The event was streamed live globally on Netflix on November 15, 2024, from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, marking Netflix’s inaugural venture into live sports broadcasting.
The main event featured Jake Paul, known for his controversial rise in boxing, boasting a record of 10-1 with 7 knockouts, against the legendary Mike Tyson, who held a record of 50-6 with 44 knockouts. Despite the significant age gap of 31 years—Paul at 27 and Tyson at 58—the bout was sanctioned as a professional fight by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations. The match consisted of eight two-minute rounds with 14-ounce gloves, differing from standard boxing regulations.
The fight concluded with Jake Paul securing a unanimous decision victory, with judges scoring the bout 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73 in his favor. Tyson, returning to professional boxing after a 19-year hiatus, exhibited moments reminiscent of his prime but struggled to maintain endurance against the younger Paul. The event attracted a record attendance of over 70,000 fans at the stadium and garnered 65 million concurrent streams on Netflix, highlighting the massive public interest.
However, the fight was mired in controversy, with allegations suggesting it was rigged. Critics pointed to Tyson’s limited punch output and Paul’s post-fight comments about not wanting to inflict unnecessary harm on the aging boxer. Prominent figures, including actor Sylvester Stallone, speculated that Tyson might have held back during the match. Jake Paul’s promotional company, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), vehemently denied these claims, asserting that both fighters performed to the best of their abilities and that the fight’s legitimacy should not be questioned.
In the co-main event, undisputed super lightweight world champion Katie Taylor defended her title against unified featherweight world champion Amanda Serrano in a highly anticipated rematch. This bout further elevated the event’s profile, contributing to its historic viewership numbers.
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson stands as a landmark event in modern boxing, blending traditional sports with contemporary entertainment, and sparking discussions about the evolving nature of boxing spectacles.