Mike Tyson and Jake Paul Face 24-Day Suspension After Controversial Netflix Fight

Mike Tyson and Jake Paul have been handed a 24-day suspension by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) following their controversial bout in Arlington, Texas. The highly anticipated fight, which aired live on Netflix, ended with Paul securing a unanimous decision victory over the former heavyweight champion. Despite drawing in over 100 million viewers, the fight failed to impress many fans and analysts, leading to the disciplinary action.

The Fallout from Tyson vs. Paul

The TDLR’s decision to suspend both Tyson and Paul for 24 days is part of standard boxing regulations. In Texas, fighters must take a mandatory three days off for each round they compete in, and the suspension follows these rules. At 58 years old, Mike Tyson was fighting in his first sanctioned bout since 2005. However, many felt the fight was underwhelming, with Tyson showing signs of fatigue early. Jake Paul, 27, took advantage of the situation and controlled the fight, winning after eight rounds.

After the match, Paul apologized to his fans for not delivering a knockout, which he had promised. “After I saw he was tired, I didn’t want to hurt him too much, but I wanted to give the fans a good show,” Paul said. He admitted that he didn’t live up to his own hype, expressing regret over not ending the fight with a knockout as he had anticipated.

Impact on Other Fighters

The suspension also extended to Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor, who faced off in a full-distance battle. Katie Taylor won the fight by unanimous decision, but both fighters received 45-day suspensions. This extended ban was due to the brutal nature of their contest, which took a physical toll on both athletes. The Texas regulatory body applies these suspensions to protect fighter safety and ensure recovery after intense bouts.

The suspension of Tyson and Paul, along with other fighters on the card, serves as a reminder that even in celebrity-driven events, boxing regulations exist to safeguard the health and well-being of the athletes. The TDLR is committed to maintaining fighter welfare, ensuring the sport remains both thrilling and safe for all competitors.