Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson: IS IT RIGGED?          

By Karina Donathan

Have you heard of Jake Paul? What about Mike Tyson? Whether or not you know these famous names, everyone who’s anyone wants to watch this battle of the generations that is Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson. Jake Paul who is most currently known as YouTube sensation turned boxer has challenged ferocious icon and professional boxer Mike Tyson to a boxing match on July 20th. This isn’t just another fight, this is a viral showdown exploding with unpredictable energy. But as excitement builds, whispers of controversy follow. In a day and age where nothing is as it seems and everyone is spectacle the question arises. Is this a genuine test of skill or a publicity stunt designed to entertain? Every second counts and every punch is bound to create a hashtag. 

Mike Tyson, who has managed to stay relevant even after his retirement eighteen years ago, has agreed to fight Jake Paul in a boxing match. Usually, all boxing matches have the same rules but not this one! This match has its own rules agreed upon by Paul and Tyson so let’s take a look!

• The match will not have the normal three-minute rounds. Instead, it’ll be eight two-minute rounds.
• Both boxers will use 14-ounce gloves that are heavier than usual.
• The fighters will not wear headgear
• The fight will be contested at heavyweight

What do you mean rigged?

Many may be wondering, if they agreed upon the rules and if they both want to win then why would it be rigged? First, we’ll look at the media and then we’ll look at some student interviews to see what they think!

Media:  One thing that has sparked clicks on social media is the age difference between Paul and Tyson. Paul is a 27-year-old who has been training for fights without long breaks for a while now. Tyson is a 57-year-old who has just come out of retirement for this fight. Many people think that Tyson coming out of retirement is strange. Why would a professional boxer who could be considered the greatest of all time come out of retirement to fight an ex-YouTuber turned boxer? The media says: publicity stunt. Many speculate that since Jake Paul is a multimillionaire he is paying Tyson a large sum of money to fight him

and lose, making him look good and gaining exposure. 

Classroom Opinions

Although looking at the media is always important (and always right, right?) it’s also important to look among your peers and take into account their opinions. With that said lets take a look at some of our very own Carlson interviews.

Interview 1 – Dylan Cain

Q- Do you think the Mike Tyson/Jake Paul fight is rigged?

A- “Yes… 1000%”

Q- Why do you think that?

A- “Mike Tyson is over 50 years old… but either way Jake Paul will look like a jerk if he wins or loses. If he wins all he did was beat up a poor old retired man. If he loses, he lost to a man who is a senior.”

Interview 2 – Ellie Sharpe

Q- Do you think the Mike Tyson/Jake Paul fight is rigged?

A- “Yes, I think that Jake Paul is using an old man for clout and Mike Tyson is going to end up losing because of unfair rules”

Interview 3 – Madeline Zachary

Q- Do you think the Mike Tyson/Jake Paul fight is rigged?

A- “Yes I think it’s rigged”

Q- Why do you think that?

A- “Because Jake Paul wants to win it and he’s gonna cheat or something.”

Interview 4 – Ella Lezotte

Q- Do you think the Mike Tyson/Jake Paul fight is rigged?

A- “Yeah I think it’s all for money and that the winner is already decided”

Q- Why do you think that?

A- “Because they are in no way at the same athletic level, if you look at the stats it’s wild how drastic of a difference there is in the age alone.”

Well with that, you be the judge! Do you think the fight is rigged? Do you plan on tuning in on the fight that is bound to be a viral sensation? Let me know! Thank you to everyone who allowed me to interview them and I hope you enjoyed the article.