A Big Fight, A Small Legacy

Terence Crawford believes the match between former champion Mike Tyson and internet star Jake Paul was not fair. He says the bout felt like a story that had been written before it started, especially when Tyson seemed to pretend he was upset. The fight happened in November 2024 when Tyson, then 58, had not fought professionally for almost twenty years. He faced the much younger Paul and lost by unanimous decision, a result that sparked rumors of a staged contest. Crawford voiced his doubts on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, saying he had never seen Tyson act like that in real fights.He thought the match was a poor choice for someone of Tyson’s reputation, calling it “a sad cash grab. ” Crawford believes there were better ways for the veteran to earn money without compromising his legacy. The controversy is not new; Jake Paul has faced similar accusations in past fights, but no proof has ever emerged. Both Paul and his promoters insist the match was legitimate. The debate highlights how high‑profile bouts can blur the line between sport and spectacle, especially when legends return after long absences.