Netflix entered the world of combat sports with a controversial fight one year ago today.
The global streaming platform staged its first live boxing event on November 15, 2024, and they chose a polarizing matchup to kick things off.
Jake Paul beat Mike Tyson on Netflix, with the former Disney star having his hand raised over an opponent two decades older than him at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The age gap between the YouTuber-turned-boxer and the ex-heavyweight world champion caused plenty of backlash in the lead-up to the fight. But that did not stop 59,666 people from securing tickets and 60 million households from tuning in live.
Most were left disappointed, however, after fears over Tyson’s physical condition became a reality as he struggled to put on much of a fight against ‘The Problem Child’.
Jake Paul said it was Mike Tyson’s fault he couldn’t ‘put on a show’ in their controversial Netflix fight
Given the wave of criticism directed at Jake Paul for opting to fight a 59-year-old boxing veteran, it was no surprise to see that only grow after how the bout unfolded.
UFC legend Don Frye said Paul vs. Tyson made him want to “vomit,” and he was not the only prominent name calling out the Cleveland native and Netflix for putting it on. Others, meanwhile, were hoping for a more entertaining affair.
Speaking at the post-fight press conference, Paul addressed those who were left frustrated by the lackluster contest, insisting that he planned to put on more of a show but was limited by Tyson’s struggle to make it through the match.
“I wanted to give the fans a show, but I didn’t want to hurt someone that didn’t need to be hurt,” Paul said.
“I tried to give the best fight I possibly could, but when someone’s just surviving in the ring, basically it’s hard to make it exciting.
“So I couldn’t really get him to engage me or slip shots and do something super cool or whatever,” he added.
Mike Tyson vows to knock out Floyd Mayweather in 2026
Against the wishes of many of his fans and boxing peers, Tyson doesn’t appear to be done in the ring.
59-year-old Tyson is planning to face Floyd Mayweather in 2026. While an exact date remains unconfirmed, the pair announced a controversial exhibition grudge match back in September.
‘Iron Mike’ is promising an improved performance and even recently vowed to knock out the retired 50-0 star.
“It looks that way, as I anticipated. It looks like he’s (Mayweather) going to get knocked out,” Tyson told Hard Rock Bets during a recent interview.
“It’s [the fight] going to supersede all the fights and all the glory he had before this. This is taking boxing to a new level. Almost ‘God status’,” he added.