The boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson on November 15, 2024, was one of the most talked-about events in modern sports. Hosted at AT&T Stadium in Texas and streamed live on Netflix, the event saw the YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul triumph over the legendary Tyson via unanimous decision after eight rounds, with cards reading 79-73, 80-72, and 79-73. While the fight itself delivered drama, the surrounding controversies and implications for boxing stirred as much debate as the bout.
THE FIGHT: YOUTH VS. EXPERIENCE
Although Tyson began strong, showcasing flashes of his iconic power, by the second round, the physical toll on the 58-year-old became apparent, and Paul’s speed and stamina took centre stage. Despite this, Tyson has indicated he has no plans to retire, even hinting at a potential fight against Logan Paul.
CONTROVERSIES AROUND THE FIGHT
AGE GAP AND ETHICS
The 31-year age gap between Tyson and Paul—the largest in professional boxing history—drew widespread criticism. Prominent figures like KSI labelled the fight “elderly abuse,” while others questioned whether Tyson’s legacy was being exploited for entertainment value. Still, Tyson himself dismissed these critiques, emphasising his decision to fight was voluntary.
PRE-FIGHT TENSIONS
The weigh-in sparked controversy when Paul mimicked Tyson with a knucklewalking gesture, an act widely criticised as offensive due to its racial undertones. Tyson reacted by slapping Paul, later calling the gesture disrespectful and potentially intentional. Paul, for his part, dismissed the backlash as a misunderstanding, though the incident added tension to the event.
TECHNICAL ISSUES DURING THE STREAM
Netflix’s highly anticipated live broadcast suffered technical glitches, frustrating millions of fans worldwide. Buffering issues and audio failures led to over 90,000 complaints, tainting the experience for many. Despite this, the event peaked with 65 million viewers globally, underscoring its massive draw.