AFL star Scott Pendlebury didn’t hold back in criticizing Jake Paul’s recent victory over boxing legend Mike Tyson, calling it a “con job” and claiming that he could defeat the YouTuber in just two rounds. Pendlebury, known for his respected career as a two-time AFL premiership player, expressed his disappointment over the much-hyped match, which many expected to be an intriguing clash between a young social media celebrity and an aging boxing icon. Instead, it turned into a one-sided spectacle that many found unfulfilling.
The fight, which was contested over eight two-minute rounds, saw Jake Paul emerge victorious by unanimous decision, with the judges scoring it 80-72 and 79-73 on two cards. Paul dominated throughout the match, landing 78 punches compared to Tyson’s mere 18. The sports world reacted with surprise and concern as Tyson, now 58 years old, struggled in the ring, with many spectators commenting on how out of place the once-great fighter seemed against the younger Paul. Pendlebury, who had earlier asked his followers if anyone planned to watch the fight, didn’t mince words in his criticism. He remarked that the event felt like a “grab the money and run job” and expressed his belief that Paul was essentially out of his depth in the ring.
Pendlebury, a staunch UFC fan, took to social media to express his preference for mixed martial arts over celebrity boxing matches. He wrote that UFC events, which feature the best fighters facing off against each other, offer a more legitimate form of competition. Pendlebury, who will play his 20th AFL season in 2025, pointed out that boxing fans would be better served watching top-tier athletes compete rather than witnessing a spectacle like Paul versus Tyson. He quickly shifted his attention to the upcoming UFC 309 card, which features high-profile bouts like Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler and Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic.
In the aftermath of the fight, Jake Paul himself defended his performance, claiming that he eased up in the later rounds. According to Paul, Tyson’s age was showing, and he decided not to go for the knockout, instead opting to “give the fans a show.” Tyson, however, appeared to struggle with his own issues, including a recurring habit of biting his gloves during the match. Despite the strange behavior, Tyson seemed to indicate that he wasn’t done with boxing, hinting at a future bout with Jake’s older brother, Logan Paul.
The reaction to Jake Paul’s win was mixed, with some calling for him to fight a more formidable opponent. Boxing experts like Andre Ward suggested that Paul should challenge someone younger and more dangerous, someone the public would respect regardless of the outcome. Even Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of Muhammad Ali, weighed in, calling Paul an “embarrassment to the sport” and expressing disappointment over Tyson’s role in the fight. Broadcasters like Stephen A. Smith also joined the chorus, urging Jake Paul to step up and face a real challenge, noting that he has the talent to fight against legitimate boxers, not just celebrities or aging legends.
As Jake Paul’s boxing career continues to spark debate, many fans and analysts agree that the time has come for him to prove himself against more respected and competitive fighters. Whether or not he’s willing to take on that challenge will be a critical factor in his path to legitimacy in the boxing world.