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The much-anticipated boxing match between social media star-turned-boxer, Jake Paul, and legendary heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson, proved to be as lucrative as it was hyped.
While fans debated whether the bout was sport or spectacle, the financial stakes made headlines, with Paul and Tyson walking away with staggering pay cheques.
PUNCH Online earlier reported that Paul cruised to victory by a unanimous decision against the heavyweight icon in Texas.
Tyson, 58, barely landed a punch during the eight-round bout at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, with Paul winning by big margins on all three cards — 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73.
$40 million showman
Jake Paul, a 27-year-old YouTube sensation with an ever-growing presence in professional boxing, reportedly earned a jaw-dropping $40 million for the fight, as confirmed by sources like DraftKings Network.
Paul’s massive payday wasn’t just about his performance in the ring—it was bolstered by his role as co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), which co-promoted the event with Netflix.
In a pre-fight press conference, Paul confidently stated, “I’m here to make $40 million and knock out a legend,” according to WFAA on Saturday.
His bold claim held weight, not just in dollars but also in his win by unanimous decision.
With a net worth of $80m, Paul continues to redefine the boundaries between social media stardom and professional sports.
Paul’s charisma extends beyond boxing, as evidenced by his antics during open training sessions.
Donning a rooster hat and a red-feathered skirt over his trunks, Paul embraced his “El Gallo de Dorado” persona—The Golden Rooster. His penchant for theatrics, coupled with his undefeated record against high-profile opponents, has made him a draw for fans and critics alike.
Comeback king’s $20m payday
At 58, Mike Tyson, once the “Baddest Man on the Planet,” made his return to the ring nearly two decades after his last professional fight.
Tyson’s earnings for the event were estimated at $20 million, according to DraftKings Network and other sources, though the former champ refrained from confirming this figure during an earlier appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
While $20 million is a far cry from the $400 million in career earnings Tyson amassed in his prime, it’s still a notable comeback.
For perspective, Tyson’s 1988 bout against Michael Spinks, which ended in a 91-second knockout, earned him a then-record $20 million—equivalent to about $53 million today when adjusted for inflation.
Financial impact
The Tyson vs. Paul fight wasn’t just lucrative for the fighters; it was a financial juggernaut for organizers.
Held at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the event brought in $17.8 million in gate receipts, according to CNBC, with over 70,000 attendees filling the arena.
Ticket prices ranged from $69 for upper mezzanine seats to a staggering $32,392 for prime floor spots, per Vivid Seats.
The bout was initially scheduled for July 20 but was postponed after Tyson suffered a health scare in May.
Despite the delay, the fight remained a betting favourite, with DraftKings reporting a high volume of wagers, including individual bets as large as $500,000. Tyson entered as a +160 underdog, while Paul was the favourite at -200.
Boxing spectacle for ages
While critics questioned the legitimacy of the fight as a sporting event, fans couldn’t resist its allure.
Comparisons were drawn to the 2017 mega-fight between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather, which saw the fighters earn $30 million and $100 million, respectively, as reported by The Telegraph.
For Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, their bout wasn’t just about competition—it was a masterclass in modern boxing economics, blending entertainment, nostalgia, and social media prowess to deliver a payday most athletes can only dream of.
In the end, the fight wasn’t just about who won in the ring but about the spectacle and the staggering sums of money that defined it.
