People think they’ve spotted the moment Jake Paul signaled Mike Tyson to ‘take it easy’ amid allegations that the fight was “staged.”
Tyson vs Paul was one of this year’s most anticipated sporting events. Credit:Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu/Getty
Netflix played host to one of the biggest boxing events of the year as ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’ stepped into the ring with ‘El Gallo Dorado’.
The pair fought it out across eight two-minute rounds in front of 72,000 fans at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, as well as millions of viewers watching all over the world.
However, what was supposed to be a night of action and energy was deemed “underwhelming” and “disappointing” by a handful of fans who expected Tyson to come out like he did in his prime, despite being 58 years old — and 31 years older than his opponent.
In the end, Paul was declared the victor by unanimous decision, and he’s now cemented his name in the sport, beating one of the all-time greats.
Paul came out victorious. Credit: Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu/Getty
It’s been two days since the big fight and many are still wondering how Tyson, who is known for his knock-out punches, struggled to keep up with the 27-year-old YouTuber.
And, of course, rather than look at the huge age gap and the fact Tyson hasn’t had a professional fight in 19 years, many could only think of one answer – the bout must have been “staged”.
Paul said he didn’t want to “hurt” Tyson after the match. Credit: Christian Petersen/Getty
One user took to X (formerly Twitter) to point out the moment they believed this to be true, showing Tyson punching Paul directly in the face, to which the star responded by sticking out his tongue and eyeing up the veteran.
“Jake Paul signaling for Mike to take it easy,” they captioned the post.
Others also agreed.
“Yup staged as f***. Even at 58 years old Tyson is a monster. If Tyson went 100% all in Jake would be dead. And to anyone who thinks differently go step in the ring with him and see how that goes. This fight was such bulls***,” this user wrote.
“That was an easy combination KO in waiting,” another added.
A third also commented: “I strongly believe they made some type of agreement because everyone who has watched boxing before knows that Tyson had caught this dude with one combo he would’ve been hurt for real. I guess Tyson needs the money.”
Others also shared the theory that Tyson kept biting his glove as a way to signal Paul to slow down and ease up. “And biting the glove was Mike’s signal,” another said. (However, Tyson has addressed the biting in his own words.)
However, not everyone agreed.
“He’s literally signaling that the weak punch did not affect him. This is commonly known as a ‘taunt,'” this person pointed out.
What do you think?
Paul stated that it was an “honor” to fight against Tyson. Credit: Al Bello/Getty/Netflix © 2024
After the match, Tyson took to X to write: “This is one of those situations when you lost but still won. I’m grateful for last night. No regrets to get in ring one last time.”
He continued: “I almost died in June. Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won.”
The legendary boxer then opened up about the importance of having his family there on Friday night to watch him perform.
“To have my children see me stand toe to toe and finish 8 rounds with a talented fighter half my age in front of a packed Dallas Cowboy stadium is an experience that no man has the right to ask for,” he added. “Thank you.”
Mike Tyson opened up about his near-death experience. Credit: X
Paul commented under the post writing: “Love you, Mike. It was an honor. You’re an inspiration to us all.”
Tyson vs Paul is still available to stream on Netflix now.
