In a shocking twist that has left the boxing world reeling, heavyweight legend Mike Tyson has been fined an eye-watering $150 million for knocking out Jake Paul during a sparring session. The incident, which was supposed to be a routine part of their training camp for an exhibition bout, has now sparked debate over what some are calling the most absurd contract stipulation in boxing history.

Reports suggest that the sparring session turned heated, with both fighters throwing punches that were far from the light jabs typically expected in training. In a moment that stunned onlookers, Tyson delivered a trademark uppercut that sent Jake Paul to the canvas. The YouTuber-turned-boxer reportedly suffered no serious injuries, but the fallout was immediate.
The contract for the exhibition bout included a clause prohibiting either fighter from knocking the other out during training sessions. This unusual stipulation was reportedly included to ensure that the actual fight remained the centerpiece of their rivalry and to protect the fighters’ marketability.

Tyson’s camp has confirmed the fine but expressed outrage at the severity of the penalty. “Mike was simply doing what he does best—boxing. To fine him $150 million for a moment of competitive intensity is ridiculous,” a representative for Tyson stated.
For context, the fine is more than double the purse Tyson was expected to earn from the exhibition fight. Many in the boxing community have questioned the rationale behind such a clause and the hefty penalty attached to it.
The news has sparked widespread reactions from fans and fellow fighters alike. Many have criticized Jake Paul for agreeing to such a stipulation in the first place, accusing him of turning the sport into a spectacle. Others have defended Paul, arguing that Tyson’s experience and power make any sparring session inherently dangerous.
Prominent fighters have weighed in on the controversy. UFC legend Conor McGregor called the fine “a disgrace to combat sports,” while retired boxer Floyd Mayweather said, “Contracts like these hurt the integrity of boxing.”
The incident has reignited the debate over celebrity boxing and its impact on the sport. While exhibitions like Tyson vs. Paul generate massive pay-per-view revenue, critics argue that such fights dilute the competitive nature of boxing. Contracts with clauses like “no knockouts in training” further blur the lines between sport and entertainment.
As of now, the future of the Tyson-Paul bout remains uncertain. Some speculate that Tyson may walk away from the fight entirely, unwilling to participate under such conditions. Meanwhile, Jake Paul has yet to publicly address the incident or the fine.
Whether or not the fight goes ahead, this controversy is sure to leave a lasting mark on boxing’s already colorful history.