The much-hyped boxing match between legendary fighter Mike Tyson and internet sensation Jake Paul has left both fans and celebrities in shock, not only due to the controversial nature of the fight but also because of the official suspension of both fighters by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The 24-day suspension, which follows the mandatory rest rules established by the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC), has added another layer of drama to a bout that already sparked outrage across the sporting world.
The fight, which took place under the bright lights of a Netflix-backed event, went the full eight rounds, with Jake Paul emerging victorious by unanimous decision. However, what was supposed to be a thrilling spectacle turned out to be a disappointing spectacle for many viewers. From the very beginning, the fight seemed to lack the intensity expected from two high-profile figures in the boxing world. Despite both fighters completing the scheduled rounds, many fans felt that the fight had been artificially extended, with accusations of it being “rigged” quickly circulating.
Following the event, both Tyson and Paul have been handed a 24-day suspension by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. This suspension is not a disciplinary action but a standard measure required by the state’s combat sports regulations. According to the Texas Department, fighters are mandated to take a minimum of three days of rest for every round fought, with no fewer than seven days between bouts. Given that the Tyson-Paul fight lasted eight rounds, both men are required to take 24 days of mandatory rest.
While some might see this as a routine post-fight requirement, others have raised questions about whether this rule is being applied consistently in high-profile bouts. The mandatory rest period is part of a broader initiative by the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) to protect fighters from the long-term health risks associated with brain injuries, a concern that has gained increased attention in recent years.
Despite the suspension, the fighters retain the right to appeal the decision. Should either fighter wish to resume training or fight sooner, they can request a hearing to prove their fitness.
Beyond the controversy surrounding the fight itself, viewers were also upset by the quality of the broadcast. Many fans complained of buffering issues, cuts, and interruptions during the live stream on Netflix, which left some feeling like they had paid to watch a subpar experience. The event, hailed as Netflix’s biggest live sports broadcast to date, was intended to be a major stepping stone for the platform as it moves to expand its sports offerings, particularly with future events featuring the NFL and WWE.
However, as the fight was marketed as a major spectacle, the technical difficulties further fueled the backlash. One frustrated fan, Ronald Denton from Hillsborough County, Florida, took matters into his own hands and filed a $50 million class-action lawsuit against Netflix. The lawsuit claims that 60 million Americans were excited to watch the “Baddest Man on the Planet,” Mike Tyson, face off against Jake Paul, only to be met with what Denton described as “The Baddest Streaming on Planet.”
Denton’s lawsuit underscores the growing frustration surrounding the fight and its aftermath. In his filing, he argued that Netflix failed to deliver on its promise of a smooth, high-quality broadcast, leaving fans with a lackluster experience that did not match the hype leading up to the event.
As the dust settles, both Tyson and Paul find themselves in a difficult position. For Tyson, a return to the ring at his age is already an unexpected spectacle, and this lackluster performance—coupled with the accusations of being held back—may tarnish his legendary status. For Jake Paul, the suspension and the backlash could hurt his credibility in the sport of boxing, which he has worked hard to enter despite initial skepticism.
Meanwhile, Netflix faces its own challenges, particularly as the streaming giant attempts to carve out a place in the increasingly competitive world of live sports broadcasting. The botched broadcast of this fight has cast doubt on its ability to handle major sports events, raising questions about the future of Netflix’s sports ventures.
With the suspension in place, both Tyson and Paul have time to reflect on their controversial bout. For fans, the hope is that their next encounter will deliver a true fight, not just a spectacle filled with unanswered questions and technical glitches. The world of boxing—and indeed streaming—awaits their next move.