In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, Mike Tyson, the legendary former heavyweight champion, admitted that he was under the influence of cannabis when he agreed to fight YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a highly publicized bout on November 15, 2024. The professional boxing match, held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and streamed live on Netflix to an estimated 108 million viewers worldwide, was a financial juggernaut, generating an unprecedented $80 million purse. However, Tyson’s candid confession about his state of mind when signing the contract has sparked widespread concern among fans and experts about his health and decision-making, raising questions about the ethics of the controversial matchup.

Tyson, now 58, faced the 27-year-old Paul in a fight that marked his return to professional boxing after a 19-year hiatus. The bout, organized by Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions in partnership with Netflix, was a spectacle that drew massive attention, partly due to the stark age difference and partly because of Tyson’s storied legacy. Despite the hype, the fight itself disappointed many, with critics noting Tyson’s apparent lack of energy and sharpness. Paul won by unanimous decision, landing only 78 of 278 punches, while Tyson managed to stay on his feet, landing 97 punches, a testament to his enduring resilience despite his age and physical condition.

In a recent interview with Fox News, Tyson was asked by journalist Jackson Thompson if he was high on marijuana when he agreed to the fight. His response was startlingly blunt: “Absolutely.” When pressed further on whether he would have made the same decision sober, Tyson admitted, “I don’t think so. No, I wouldn’t have done it.” He explained that cannabis clouds his rational thinking, stating, “Without cannabis, I get too caught up in my emotions. Without cannabis, I’m very objective.” This admission has fueled concerns that Tyson’s judgment was impaired when he committed to the bout, which many viewed as a risky endeavor given his age and health history, including a near-fatal ulcer flare-up in June 2024 that delayed the fight from its original July date.

Tyson’s history with cannabis is well-documented. A long-time user, he has openly embraced the substance, even launching his own cannabis brand, Tyson 2.0, which reportedly generated $150 million in revenue in 2023. He admitted to using marijuana before and immediately after the Paul fight, claiming it helped him stay “relaxed and cool” and gave him an advantage. However, his reliance on the substance has raised red flags among fans, particularly in light of his post-fight comments. Tyson revealed he felt “depressed a little bit” after the bout, describing the emotional comedown from the high of preparing for such a monumental event. He also admitted to “blanking out” during the fight, unable to recall much of the eight rounds, which ended quickly for him despite not feeling tired or winded.

The fight’s financial success is undeniable. Reports estimate Tyson earned $20 million, doubling his reported net worth of $10 million, while Paul, also a co-promoter, pocketed around $30 to $40 million. Yet, the disparity in their payouts and the circumstances surrounding Tyson’s participation have sparked debate. Critics argue that the fight capitalized on Tyson’s legacy for profit, with some calling it a “freak show” rather than a legitimate sporting event. Boxing purists, including promoter Eddie Hearn, labeled the matchup “dangerous” and an “embarrassment,” citing the health risks to Tyson, who lost 25 pounds during his recovery from the ulcer and required eight blood transfusions.

Jake Paul, for his part, praised Tyson’s performance, noting his surprising agility and signature “peek-a-boo” style, which made him difficult to hit. Paul’s comments, however, did little to quell speculation about the fight’s legitimacy, with some fans alleging it was staged, though Paul’s promotion company vehemently denied these claims, emphasizing that rigging a professional fight is a federal crime. Despite the controversy, Tyson expressed no regrets, stating that the fight allowed him to relive the adrenaline of the ring one last time, a feeling he treasures.

The fallout from Tyson’s admission has left fans divided. Some admire his honesty and resilience, while others worry about his well-being, fearing that his cannabis use and the physical toll of the fight could have long-term consequences. As Tyson navigates the aftermath, including a $1.6 million lawsuit for allegedly breaching a promotional agreement, the boxing world is left to reflect on the cost of spectacle versus the health of a legend.