The recent Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, has sparked a wave of opinions, some more controversial than others. Hollywood icon Sylvester Stallone, famed for his role as ‘Rocky,’ has his own theories about the outcome. Stallone, who has known Tyson for decades, believes the legendary boxer didn’t give it his all against the YouTube sensation, Jake Paul. Instead, he suggests Tyson might have intentionally thrown the fight, casting a shadow over the spectacle that took place in front of a packed audience.
Stallone Claims Tyson Let Jake Paul Win
Stallone’s thoughts on the fight were shared on Instagram, where he posted pictures with Tyson, emphasizing their long-standing friendship. The actor speculated that Tyson, at 58 years old, performed a calculated “Oscar-worthy” act in the ring. “Business is business. SOMETIMES you have to do hard things and sacrifice for the sake of helping your FAMILY,” Stallone wrote. According to him, Tyson’s performance was intentional, as he “spared” Jake Paul’s life in the ring.
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Many were quick to react to Stallone’s post, with some agreeing with his assessment, while others voiced strong disagreement. In one response, Stallone went even further, saying, “Please believe me when I tell you, he would’ve beat him to death. To death.” For Stallone, Tyson’s ability to dominate Paul was unquestionable, but he claimed the fight was a setup. He continued, adding that Tyson was paid not to hurt Paul, further suggesting that the boxing legend had no intention of knocking out the YouTuber.
Tyson’s Response: Why He Took the Fight
Hours before the fight, Mike Tyson spoke candidly about his reasons for taking on Jake Paul. In an interview with The New York Post, Tyson made it clear that money was not the driving factor. Despite earning $20 million for the fight, Tyson explained that his cannabis business, which is among the largest in the world, brings in more than enough income. “Money doesn’t mean nothing,” Tyson remarked. “Money from this is not going to change my life. I’m living a great life.”
Tyson also admitted that the motivation for the fight was driven by something more personal: his ego. “If anything, it’s about ego,” he said. This statement directly contradicts Stallone’s earlier suggestion that Tyson was making a financial sacrifice for his family. It highlights a potential rift between Stallone’s view and Tyson’s reality, as Tyson seems to see this as a way to prove something to himself, rather than to anyone else.
Was Mike Tyson Too Old to Compete at His Best?
One of the most discussed aspects of the fight was Tyson’s performance. While he came out strong in the early rounds, his energy seemed to wane quickly, leading many to question his physical condition. At 58, Tyson’s stamina is not what it once was, and some fans have suggested that his age played a significant role in his inability to finish the fight decisively. Despite this, Stallone insists that Tyson could have easily defeated Paul had the fight not been “staged.”
Conspiracy Theories: Did Tyson Throw the Fight?
Stallone’s claims have fueled conspiracy theories suggesting the fight was orchestrated. Some speculate that Tyson, knowing he was past his prime, may have intentionally pulled back to avoid damaging Jake Paul. “He didn’t care about hurting him,” Stallone wrote. “He was paid not to kill him.” This notion of a staged bout has added fuel to the fire for those who argue that Tyson’s reputation as a fearsome fighter was deliberately put on the line for financial gain.
However, Tyson himself has rejected this idea, stating that his actions in the ring were the result of frustration, rather than a calculated decision. Tyson has a well-known biting fixation, which he confirmed after the fight by admitting he was biting his gloves out of frustration. This provides an alternative explanation to Stallone’s theory, suggesting that Tyson’s actions were more about personal struggle than professional strategy.
The Real Motivation Behind the Fight
While Stallone believes Tyson sacrificed his legacy for money, Tyson himself points to ego as the true motivator. With his cannabis empire thriving and his wealth secure, Tyson’s decision to fight Paul seems less about financial need and more about regaining his competitive spirit. His public statements about ego suggest that the fight was a way to challenge himself and perhaps find closure after years away from the ring.
Was It Really a Scripted Fight?
In the aftermath of the fight, it’s clear that there are differing opinions about whether Tyson threw the fight against Jake Paul. Stallone’s theory about Tyson being paid to avoid hurting Paul raises important questions about the nature of boxing as a sport. However, Tyson’s own words suggest that his motivations were far more complex than a simple financial transaction. Whether or not the fight was scripted, Tyson’s age and the passage of time certainly played a role in the outcome, but only Tyson knows the full story.
FAQ
1. Did Mike Tyson throw the fight against Jake Paul?
There are conspiracy theories suggesting Tyson didn’t give his full effort, but Tyson himself denies this. He claims ego was his primary motivation, rather than a financial gain.
2. Why did Sylvester Stallone say Tyson “spared” Jake Paul?
Stallone believes Tyson intentionally held back during the fight to prevent Jake Paul from getting hurt, even suggesting Tyson could have defeated him easily if he had tried.
3. How much did Mike Tyson earn from the Jake Paul fight?
Tyson reportedly earned $20 million for the fight, but he has stated that money was not his primary motivation.
4. What is Tyson’s stance on his motivations for the fight?
Tyson revealed that his decision to fight was driven by ego, not financial needs, as his cannabis business is highly successful.
5. Did Tyson’s age affect his performance in the fight?
Many believe Tyson’s stamina issues were a result of his age, which may have contributed to his inability to finish the fight in the early rounds.