The fight's massive viewership indicates a growing interest in celebrity boxing matches, blending traditional sports with entertainment.
Stallone's comments reflect a broader skepticism in the boxing community regarding the legitimacy of celebrity fights.
Future celebrity boxing matches may face increased scrutiny regarding their authenticity and competitive nature.
The trend of high-profile, non-traditional boxing matches may continue to grow, attracting both viewers and controversy.
Controversy Surrounds Paul-Tyson Boxing Match
The recent boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, held on November 15-16, has sparked significant debate regarding its authenticity. The fight, which ended in a unanimous decision victory for Paul, was watched by an astonishing 108 million viewers worldwide, making it the most-watched sporting event ever streamed on Netflix. However, the spectacle has drawn skepticism from various quarters, including actor Sylvester Stallone, who expressed doubts about the fight's legitimacy on social media.
Stallone, known for his iconic role as Rocky Balboa, commented that the event resembled an “Oscar-worthy performance” rather than a genuine boxing match. He urged Paul to appreciate Tyson's experience and talent, suggesting that the fight may have been more about entertainment than competition. Tyson himself, despite acknowledging some discomfort during the match, stated he was not there to please anyone but himself.
Allegations of a Staged Fight
Further complicating the narrative, former football star Michael Irwin claimed that there was a contract stipulating that Tyson could not use his signature uppercut during the fight. Irwin, who attended the match, suggested that this clause undermined the integrity of the bout, stating, “The whole fight was a lie.” He noted that Tyson appeared fatigued and did not attempt to utilize his most powerful weapon, raising questions about the fight's competitive nature.
Additionally, DJ Whoo Kid, a friend of Paul, corroborated Irwin's claims, indicating that both fighters had agreed to a more relaxed approach to the match, with the intention of not going too hard on each other. The statistics from the fight reveal that Tyson landed only 18 punches out of 97 attempts, while Paul connected on 78 out of 278, further fueling the debate about the fight's authenticity.
