Saturday, November 16, 2024
Jake Paul faced backlash for a performance many called "uninspired" and "disrespectful to the sport," leaving Tyson’s legacy unshaken and Paul’s credibility in question
Last night’s so-called “fight of the century” between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson left fans disillusioned, as the 27-year-old social media star scraped by with a unanimous decision over the 58-year-old boxing icon. But the real story of the night was the backlash, with viewers calling out Paul for what they saw as a shameless cash grab and a lackluster performance against an aging legend.
A Win Without Glory
Paul’s victory on the scorecards (80-72, 79-73, 79-73) came after eight dull, two-minute rounds in which he failed to deliver a single knockout blow. Critics argue that Paul, who prides himself on his knockout power, played it safe and relied on Tyson’s age and fatigue rather than his own skill to win. “He’s young enough to be Tyson’s grandson and still couldn’t put on a show,” one fan wrote on social media.
Tyson, visibly slower but still displaying flashes of the ferocity that once dominated the heavyweight division, had the crowd rooting for him. Unfortunately, his stamina waned as the rounds wore on, giving Paul an easy path to victory. However, even in defeat, many believe Tyson retained his dignity, while Paul left the ring with his reputation under scrutiny.
A Spectacle or a Sham?
The fight, streamed on Netflix and watched by millions, was marred by boos from the live audience at AT&T Stadium, who expected much more from a matchup hyped as a "clash of eras." Online viewers weren’t spared either, as technical issues like freezing streams and audio dropouts added to the frustration. But for many, the biggest disappointment was Paul himself.
“This wasn’t a fight; it was a payday,” tweeted one disgruntled fan, echoing the sentiment of many who felt the event was more about profit than boxing. Despite raking in an estimated $40 million, Paul’s performance did little to win over skeptics who accuse him of diluting the sport for clout and cash.
What’s Next for Both Fighters?
After the fight, Paul offered the usual pleasantries, praising Tyson as a legend while dodging questions about his lack of aggression in the ring. Meanwhile, Tyson was gracious in defeat but made no promises about stepping into the ring again. “I did my best. That’s all that matters,” the former heavyweight champ said.
As debates rage about the ethics and entertainment value of pitting a social media star against a boxing icon, one thing is clear: Jake Paul may have walked away with the win, but in the eyes of many, Mike Tyson remains the true champion.
Michael Kelly is the founder of Candlestick Media and The Milwaukee Post. He's a software developer by trade who took a liking to entrepreneurship after graduating college. He founded The Milwaukee Post in September of 2024.
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