Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Boxing, Mike Tyson, Jake Paul
Alex Chivers
The build-up to the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight has been no stranger to controversy – and there could be more to come.
The highly-publicised fight between Paul, 27, and Tyson, 58, is set to be streamed live on Netflix in the early hours of Saturday morning UK time.
Originally scheduled for last July, the event was rearranged following a medical emergency for Tyson that forced him to stop training.
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Concerns have been raised about Tyson’s health in recent weeks as he prepares to fight Youtuber-turned-boxer Paul, and while he has passed pre-fight tests a doctor has questioned whether it is safe for the former heavyweight champion.
The event is available free for Netflix subscribers, which should guarantee a large streaming audience, but there have also been reports that promoters have slashed ticket prices in some areas of AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
And there could be more controversy over the scoring.
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The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) sanctioned the fight as a pro bout, and have set three major conditions.
But they have a history of dodgy scoring – as UFC boss Dana White will remember.
Back in 2020, UFC fans were left furious after the UFC 247: “Jones vs. Reyes” pay-per-view (PPV) event at the Toyota Center in Houston.
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Judge Joe Soliz was roundly criticised – including by Joe Rogan on live broadcast – after his 49-46 scorecard in favour of Jon Jones over Dominick Reyes. Rogan also accused Soliz of looking at the floor rather than the fight.
“It makes me angry,” Rogan said after the fight.
“We’ve talked about it so many times. It’s less of an issue in some commissions where they’ve dealt with combat sports — particularly MMA — longer, but I can’t argue about this enough. I can’t get angry enough.
“I’ve done it so many times. For anyone to think that was 4-1 Jon Jones; that person’s insane. Insane. Dominick Reyes put on a hell of a fight tonight... that kind of judging is insane," he added.
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Tyson and Paul are set to face off in eight two minute rounds, and the winner will be determined by three judges, should it not first end in a knockout.
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