Oscar De La Hoya Accuses Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Fight of Being ‘Scripted’
The boxing world is buzzing with controversy following Jake Paul’s unanimous decision win over Mike Tyson last week at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The matchup, which drew an estimated 70,000 in attendance and reportedly 108 million global viewers on Netflix, has been accused of being “staged” by none other than Oscar De La Hoya, a boxing legend turned promoter.
De La Hoya Speaks Out
In a fiery Instagram post, De La Hoya didn’t hold back. “Everyone is talking about how staged this fight was, and I do believe it was scripted,” he said. “Tyson was certainly held back. I’m a fighter, and I can see it. It goes on their record and was sanctioned. Jake Paul paid to get the W on his record, for what? For your own personal satisfaction?”
De La Hoya, an outspoken critic of novelty boxing matches, raised questions about the integrity of the fight. While no concrete evidence has surfaced, he’s not alone in his skepticism. Fans and pundits have taken to social media to debate whether Tyson, 58, gave his full effort in the eight-round clash against the 27-year-old social media sensation.
The Numbers Behind the Spectacle
The fight was undeniably a massive commercial success. With 65 million households tuning in and an estimated 200 million global viewers, the event broke streaming records for a boxing match. Netflix’s decision to host the fight brought unprecedented reach, drawing casual fans and boxing purists alike.
A Divisive Event in Boxing History
Paul’s win over Tyson improves his professional record to 11-1, extending his streak to five victories since his lone loss to Tommy Fury in 2023. On the other hand, Tyson’s return to professional boxing—his first sanctioned fight since 2005—was highly anticipated but now marred by claims of scripting.
Tyson, known for his devastating power in his prime, looked far from his usual self, raising questions about whether he intentionally dialed back his performance. This wouldn’t be the first time Tyson has been involved in non-traditional boxing events, as he previously fought Roy Jones Jr. in a 2020 exhibition bout that ended in a draw.
The Bigger Picture
Interestingly, De La Hoya pointed out one of the fight’s indirect benefits: the spotlight it placed on Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor. The two boxing stars competed in a real and highly praised bout earlier in the evening, gaining exposure to millions of new fans.
Despite De La Hoya’s accusations, Jake Paul has yet to respond directly. However, he’s long been a polarizing figure in boxing, blending entertainment with sport and often blurring the lines between showmanship and competition.
What’s Next for Jake Paul?
De La Hoya didn’t miss the chance to challenge Paul’s legitimacy, sarcastically suggesting, “Who’s next? Joe Biden?” This jab underlines the ongoing criticism of Paul’s choice of opponents, which often leans toward spectacle over genuine boxing tests. As Paul continues to build his career, many in the boxing world are calling for him to face more traditional fighters rather than celebrities or legends well past their prime.
Final Thoughts
While the truth behind the fight’s authenticity remains unclear, the event highlights the growing intersection of sports and entertainment. Whether staged or genuine, Paul vs. Tyson captivated millions, showing the commercial power of crossover events. Still, purists like De La Hoya will continue to push for higher standards in boxing, demanding a clearer line between sport and spectacle.
Will Jake Paul rise to the challenge, or will he remain content in the gray area of boxing’s new-age entertainment? Only time—and his next opponent—will tell.