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The most sensational fight of the year between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul is finally here. The bout has been making headlines ever since it was announced, with many critiquing the pairing between the 58-year-old legend and the 27-year-old controversial star. The match was postponed in July due to Tyson’s health scare.
During their weigh-ins, Tyson made headlines after he slapped Paul on stage. The young boxer reportedly shouted expletives at the veteran boxer and while it is not known why Tyson slapped Paul, many have speculated if it was staged to sensationalize the fight. However, Tyson is not a stranger to erratic behavior.
Many Claim Mike Tyson’s Slap To Jake Paul Might Have Been Staged
Ever since the match betweenMike Tysonand Jake Paul was announced, boxing pundits and fans have been questioning the legitimacy of the bout. The fact that the bout would be between a 58-year-old veteran, who last played four years ago in 2020 and a 27-year-old rising star has already made it ethically murky.
However, what has made pundits even more doubtful about its legitimacy is the rules. Contrary to standard rules in a professional bout, which has 10-ounce gloves and three-minute rounds, the Paul v Tyson bout reportedly has two-minute rounds and 14-ounce gloves. Many claimed that a boxing commission would have never allowed such a fight (viaUSA Today).
Now, Tyson has slapped Paul for no apparent reason. While some viewers speculated that Paul stepped on Tyson’s foot, leading Iron Mike to react erratically, many have been calling it staged.
‼️ Mike Tyson SLAPS Jake Paul in the face in their final face-off…[🎥@MostVPromotions]pic.twitter.com/WjDYpjLrxf
Ah yes, the classic pre-fight slap to increase the hype…
This whole thing feels staged idk manhttps://t.co/zEoksQTcQa
Glad to know Mike Tyson still has the crazy mentality for what it’s worth
I don’t know anyone that really thinks this fight is going to be good. Tyson is a legend 25 years passed his prime.I’m not watching this. It’s a joke… a bad one.
Tyson and Paul will be taking home millions no matter what the outcome of the match will be. The change in rules as well as the registration of the unorthodox match as a professional bout and not an exhibition match has led many to not take this seriously.
Mike Tyson’s Slap Is Not His First Instance Of Erratic Behavior
It was a moment that could totally happen when a controversial figure likeJake Paulis involved, but Mike Tyson’s slap to the former YouTuber surprised viewers nonetheless. The seemingly knee-jerk reaction to no trigger led fans to speculate if everything surrounding the match was staged to boost viewership.
However, it is not entirely out of character for Tyson to react so erratically. The former undisputed heavyweight champion has done some questionable things in the ring even in his prime. But his most infamous moment has to be biting off his opponent, Evander Holyfield II’s ear, during a match.
Jake Paul’s Biggest Boxing Fight Purses Revealed: Is the “Problem Child” Earning More Than Mike Tyson for His Next Fight?
Tyson hoped to make a comeback in the ring following his arrest and time in prison for alleged r*pe charges (viaHistory), and after a few low-key wins, he faced Holyfield twice. Growing increasingly frustrated with Holyfield’s tactic, Iron Mike reportedly bit off his ear twice, leading to a stoppage in the match. Mike reportedly said (viaThe Independent),
Holyfield kept butting me. What am I supposed to do? I’ve got children to raise. He’s not a warrior. He’s got a little nick on his ear. He didn’t want to fight me.
According to The Independent, the night was one of the darkest moments in boxing history as Tyson and his entourage tried to find a fan who threw a bottle at him as he exited and shots were fired in the lobby of the MGM Grand where the match took place.
Paul vs Tysonis scheduled to stream on Netflix on November 15.
Nishanth A
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2417
Nishanth A is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on TV shows with over 2,000 articles published. He has been an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a scriptwriter at various corporations before that, working on educational content. With a Communications, English Literature, and Psychology triple major, Nishanth usually covers news and analyses on Star Trek, particularly Strange New Worlds and The Next Generation; Doctor Who, the DCU, and more.A Nolan fan, Nishanth spends his time exploring the filmographies of various directors with an auteurial style or can be found making short movies of his own. He has also contributed as a feature writer for Film Companion, focusing on the South division.
