- Fight fans purchase $2m seats for widely panned fight
- Tyson, 58, was beaten by the YouTuber in main event
A fight fan has sparked a wave of mockery while sitting ringside in the most expensive seats in boxing history for Mike Tyson‘s showdown with Jake Paul.
Tyson, the 58-year-old former world heavyweight champion, was beaten by the YouTuber-turned-boxer via unanimous decision in his first fight in 19 years that failed to live up to the hype.
The eight-round contest, which took place at AT&T Stadium in Texas on Friday, local time, was scored 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73 in favour of Paul.
Netflix says ’60 million households’ around the world tuned in, while a few wealthy fans forked out an eye-watering $2million for an exclusive VIP booth less than six feet from the ring.
A viral video clip of from the event has left fans outraged after the occupant of the exclusive ringside booth was spotted watching the boxing on a TV screen rather than looking at the action right in front of him.
‘$2m and the dudes still watching the screen, that’s absolutely wild!’ posted one X user.
‘When you’re that rich sometimes you cant be bothered to move your eyes,’ mused another.
‘Why are they watching the fight on TV if they are at the fight ringside,’ demanded a third.
‘More money than sense, that’s why,’ replied another.
Additional perks included in the package included the chance to visit both fighters backstage before the fight, an open bar and gourmet all-inclusive food menu, and the chance to have an in-ring photo opportunity after the bout.
The package also offered a signed glove from each fighter, a personal security escort and entrance to various events throughout fight week.
In addition to the two seats in a private ringside booth, the package also included a further eight seats across the first two rows of the venue.
On Sunday morning, Tyson released an emotional statement and explained why it felt like he ‘won’ the bout.
‘This is one of those situations when you lost but still won,’ ‘Iron Mike’ said.
‘I’m grateful for last night. No regrets to get in ring one last time.
‘I almost died in June. Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won.
‘To have my children see me stand toe to toe and finish 8 rounds with a talented fighter half my age in front of a packed Dallas Cowboy stadium is an experience that no man has the right to ask for. Thank you.’
Jake Paul responded to the tweet, saying, ‘Love you Mike. It was an honor. You’re an inspiration to us all.’
Tyson was unable to match Paul’s energy and his condition worsened throughout the eight-round clash.
Though, despite the veteran’s struggles it was curious to see Paul refrain from landing a decisive blow.
And in the last 10 seconds of the fight, he even stepped back and bowed towards Tyson in a show of respect to sporting royalty – while effectively taking his foot off the gas.
Following the victory, the 27-year-old revealed that he took conscious decision not to inflict any unnecessary pain on the 58-year-old who, in his view, ‘didn’t need to be hurt’.
When asked whether he eased up after noticing Tyson tiring, Paul said: ‘Yeah, definitely. Definitely a bit.
‘I wanted to give the fans a show but I didn’t want to hurt someone that didn’t need to be hurt.’
And speaking to Mail Sport after the fight, Jake’s brother Logan said of Tyson: ‘I think Jake let him live.’
He added: ‘He’s tough, proud of him, weathered the storm against a young brute named Jake Paul.’
While it proved to be a massive disappointment for fans of the sport, it also proved to be a very lucrative night for Netflix and Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP).
The two companies had plenty of success at the gate, taking in a reported $17.8 million (£14.1million).
But it’s not like Netflix’s presentation was smooth sailing. Tens of thousands of customers reported issues with sluggish streams and buffering throughout the fight and even in the undercard bouts.
Even the broadcast team itself had issues – with boxer Evander Holyfield unable to hear questions from presenter Kate Scott. Additionally, when interviewing Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, his microphone cut out while he was speaking.
