The Netflix LIVE boxing match between Mike Tyson, the ferocious former world champion, and Jake Paul, the YouTube sensation, is a spectacle that has captured the public’s imagination. On paper, the matchup seemed bizarre, a collision between two figures from vastly different worlds—Tyson, a living legend of boxing, and Paul, a social media mogul and controversial figure in the fight sports community. Jake Paul’s win stunned the world and set records for the books such as hosting the highest grossing boxing match ever, first ever Netflix sports LIVE broadcast, and becoming the youngest man to defeat Big Mike.

For Jake Paul, this fight was another opportunity to capitalize on his celebrity status and claim bragging rights in the boxing realm. It is a well-known fact that boxing, especially in the pay-per-view era, is as much about personality and drawing power as it is about talent. Paul has successfully created a narrative around himself as the brazen, confrontational underdog. A fight with Tyson elevates that narrative to new heights, attracting fans from every corner of the globe, eager to witness a clash between two figures from completely different boxing eras. Tyson, while the icon ‘Iron Mike’, is not the fighter he once was. His age became evident beginning the third round through his weak knees and lack of throws. Who was once a champion dominating his field, is now a worn-out legacy with more time for pigeon collecting.

“Is it about legacy or profit?’ is the question surrounding the motivation behind the Tyson-Paul brawl. For Tyson, the prospect of such a fight raises serious concerns about his well-being. Tyson has been open about his struggles with mental health, addiction, and physical decline. While a one-off exhibition match may seem appealing for financial reasons, as stated in the past, it could be a dangerous gamble for a man who has long passed his prime as seen through his near stumble during his timid walkout.