Mike Tyson could be raking in a huge amount of cash from his hotly-anticipated bout against Jake Paul, despite losing to the social media star.
The pair went head-to-head at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Friday night (November 15), some four months after the fight had originally been scheduled.
The initial July match was postponed after Tyson suffered a medical emergency.
But the former world heavyweight champion, 57, since recovered and got himself fighting fit, ready to take on the former YouTuber, 27, in his first match in almost 20 years.
The eight-round fight went the distance and was scored 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73, with Paul winning in a unanimous decision.
Mike Tyson and Jake Paul fought for eight rounds (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images for Netflix 2024)
Considering the hype around their legendary fight, it should come as no surprise that Tyson and Paul are making some serious money from the event.
While the exact amount of money Tyson and Paul will be making for their boxing match has not been publicly revealed, estimates have been reported.
According to USA Today and The New York Post, Tyson will be making millions despite the loss – which is pretty good going.
He will reportedly make $20 million from the fight, according to Tyson’s friend and former UFC champion Henry Cejudo.
Meanwhile, Paul teased his supposed pay check during a news conference promoting the fight in August.
The social media personality said he’s ‘here to make $40 million and knock out a legend.’
While the discrepancy in their potential payments may be initially surprising, Paul’s company Most Valuable Promotions teamed up with Netflix to help produce the fight, potentially explaining why he’s making double what Tyson is for his work behind-the-scenes.
It’s also impressive when you bear in mind the fight was sanctioned, with two-minute rounds instead of three-minutes, and heavier-than-usual boxing gloves.
Ahead of the fight, renowned boxer Tyson appeared confident and goaded that Paul was ‘in a lot of trouble’.
Despite losing, Tyson is taking home millions of dollars from the fight (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images for Netflix 2024)
“He can say whatever he wants. In the ring is where the party begins and he’s finally going to party with the big boys,” he said.
Paul’s record prior to his fight with Tyson was 10-1, including seven knockouts. His loss came in early 2023, when he was defeated by Tyson Fury’s half-brother, Tommy Fury.
However, the former YouTuber remained determined to beat Tyson, saying: “I fear no man. I want him to be that old savage Mike.
“He says he’s going to kill me, is that what you’re going to do?… I want there to be no excuses when I knock him out.”
If you missed all the action, or simply want to relive it, Jake Paul V Mike Tyson is available to stream now on Netflix.
Featured Image Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images / Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images