Social media erupted with a range of reactions after Jake Paul defeated boxing legend Mike Tyson in an exhibition match on Friday night (Nov. 15). The 58-year-old former world champion boxer, who has long been regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight fighters in history, lost to the popular internet sensation in a late unanimous decision during the live-streamed event, which aired exclusively on Netflix.
While some viewers found the match entertaining, many others felt it was an inappropriate contest. Hip-hop icons like Drake and The Game voiced their opinions, with Drake even betting $355K on Tyson to win. In the aftermath of the fight, Jake Paul commented, “I didn’t want to hurt someone that didn’t need to be hurt,” suggesting his reluctance to go all-in against a much older and past-prime Tyson.
Mixed Reactions from Legends and Fans
NBA legend Magic Johnson, clearly upset by the spectacle, expressed his disappointment, saying, “Just sad smh. I cut it off because I couldn’t watch anymore. It’s sad to see Mike Tyson like this because I went to every Tyson fight. This fight tonight was not great for boxing.”
Current boxing star Gervonta “Tank” Davis also criticized Jake Paul for stepping into the ring with Tyson, calling him a “bozo” in an Instagram post. Davis, who’s known for his explosive power, added, “I’mma beat the breaks off Jake when I catch him… uppercut, jap jap, left hook, uppercut, hook. Watch.” He also shared a message of respect for Tyson, saying, “You will forever be a legend… It will never be another one.”
Fans Express Their Displeasure and Respect for Tyson
On social media, many fans shared their discomfort with the match. One user wrote, “Jake Paul is beating up a senior citizen with millions watching; he should be ashamed of himself.” Others were more sympathetic toward Tyson, acknowledging his resilience despite the obvious challenges. One commenter said, “Props to Mike Tyson for not giving up even in those later rounds which looked exhausting. As the rounds went on, I was a little sad seeing him go from fighting to just surviving until the end. But he didn’t quit. Gotta respect that.”
Tyson’s Resurgence in Pop Culture Amid Controversy
Though the fight sparked heated debate, Mike Tyson has enjoyed a resurgence in pop culture in recent years. Recently, the fashion brand KITH released a clothing capsule featuring the iconic image of Tyson with a pigeon, and Tyson’s popular podcast Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson has garnered nearly one million subscribers on YouTube. For many, the exhibition match was seen as a big payday for Tyson—one he likely couldn’t turn down—though some wish it hadn’t come at the cost of his legendary boxing legacy.
Despite the controversy, Tyson’s status as a cultural icon remains intact. For those interested in his thoughts, check out an episode of his popular podcast below!
Cover Photo: (L-R) Jake Paul and Mike Tyson fight during LIVE On Netflix: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium on November 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images for Netflix © 2024)GETTY IMAGES FOR NETFLIX © 2024
