The bout between Jake Paul, the influencer-turned-boxer, and Mike Tyson, the 58-year-old legend, proved once again that modern boxing is as much about the spectacle as it is about the sport. The fight was taken by Paul after eight bland rounds and without any punches to live up to the hype. The event, held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, captured worldwide attention and generated record numbers in both viewership and revenue, but at a high cost: it buried the visibility of a historic bout for women’s boxing between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano. Sportingly, this bout did rise to the occasion.
With a 30-year age difference between the two, the duel between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson was more of a media show than a sporting challenge. Nevertheless, it attracted more than 20 million viewers on streaming and television platforms, making it one of the most watched events of the year. In financial terms, the event generated more than $150 million, with a purse of $50 million for Jake Paul and $30 million for Tyson, figures that reflect the power of marketing over sporting quality and are a far cry from the $6 million purse earmarked for Taylor and Serrano. Still, this figure was the largest ever for a women’s boxing match.
THE OBLIVION OF THE WOMEN’S BOUT
While Paul and Tyson were making headlines, Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano were starring in what should have been boxing’s main event in 2024: a rematch that had been months in the making and reaffirmed the Irishwoman as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Taylor won by unanimous decision in a technical and intense bout that left fans breathless with punches and even some controversial headbutting.
However, its significance was overshadowed. “It’s frustrating to see how media fights get more attention than us, who are making history in the ring,” commented Serrano after the event. Taylor, for her part, said, “I hope one day women’s fights get the respect they deserve.” And after seeing the disappointing fight between Paul and Tyson, couldn’t the media lever have been activated with this fight, which already filled Madison Square Garden in New York?
A MIRROR OF TODAY’S BOXING
The contrast between the two events is a reflection of the current state of boxing: while authentic fights fight for an audience, prefabricated events dominate the trends. The Paul-Tyson fight, with its leisurely pace and few real thrills, was more of a theatrical performance than a competitive duel, but its financial success indicates where the industry is headed.
The question remains: what lessons will boxing take from this episode? The sport needs to find a balance between spectacle and respect for its essence, lest it lose lifelong fans who value technique and legacy. In the meantime, figures like Taylor and Serrano will continue to fight, not only in the ring, but also for the visibility they deserve.
SUBSEQUENT STATEMENTS FROM PAUL AND TYSON
Jake Paul, in his usual controversial style, stated after his split decision victory, “The numbers speak for themselves. This isn’t just boxing, it’s entertainment.” Tyson, for his part, thanked the fans and admitted, “This was for fun, not for titles. But it’s always good to feel the love from the people.”
Unfortunately, that media love eclipsed the values exuded by the stars of women’s boxing, who, despite their commitment and excellence, still fight in the background. That’s how it will be, at least, until they are supported in the same way as men’s boxing.
