Kaylah Walton
Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, shared his unfiltered thoughts on the recent boxing match featuring Jake Paul and heavyweight champion Mike Tyson during the “BFFs” podcast. Portnoy described the fight as “the greatest con-job marketing” he’s ever witnessed, recognizing its financial success while casting doubt on the authenticity of the competition.
The exhibition concluded with a unanimous decision favoring Jake Paul, which ignited significant backlash online. Notably, Tyson, at 58 years old, was well past his prime, prompting skepticism about the matchup’s credibility from many, including Portnoy.
Portnoy took to X to share his views, stating, “Kudos to Jake Paul and Mike Tyson for executing one of the greatest scams of this era. I should’ve bet $10 million on Jake, not for his skill, but because he was up against an elderly opponent.”
Paul added to the conversation after the fight by saying, “I wanted to entertain the fans but also avoid hurting someone who didn’t need to be hurt.”
The legacy of Tyson
Portnoy also reflected on Tyson’s formidable legacy as one of the most feared boxers, contrasting it with his recent performance. “He was a terrifying figure, but anyone expecting him to triumph in this match was living in a fantasy,” he noted.
Streaming success
Despite the criticisms, the fight set records, with Netflix declaring it the “most-streamed global sporting event to date.” It attracted over 108 million viewers, even though some experienced streaming issues and poor visual quality. Netflix has vowed to rectify these technical problems before their upcoming NFL broadcast on Christmas Day.
Hype masterclass
While the fight lacked intensity and genuine rivalry, its ability to attract audiences and generate excitement is undeniable. As Portnoy remarked, “I would definitely take the cash if given the chance.”
The lingering question is whether this was a legitimate celebration of boxing, or merely another entry in the expanding realm of celebrity exhibition matches. Discussions continue among fans and critics about whether the spectacle justified the outcomes.
