Terence Crawford calls Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul ‘scripted’: ‘It was taking all that he could not to hit him’
MMA Fighting
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Terence Crawford has added his voice to the growing skepticism surrounding Mike Tyson’s November 2024 heavyweight bout against Jake Paul, calling the fight “scripted” and suggesting it was heavily choreographed. Speaking on the *Joe Rogan Experience* podcast, Crawford expressed his belief that Tyson was intentionally avoiding contact with Paul during the match, which ended in a unanimous decision loss for the boxing legend. Crawford’s comments highlight the ongoing debate about the legitimacy of the contest, particularly given Tyson’s advanced age and long absence from professional boxing.
The fight, held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, was one of the most-watched boxing events in history, drawing massive viewership despite Tyson’s struggles against the younger Paul. Crawford criticized the decision to have Tyson step back into the ring, calling it a “sad cash grab” that disrespected the legacy of a boxing icon. He suggested alternative ways Tyson could have earned money without competing at such a high risk, emphasizing his belief that the fight was not in Tyson’s best interest.
Accusations of a scripted outcome have followed Jake Paul throughout his career, with critics pointing to what they perceive as inconsistencies in Tyson’s performance. However, no concrete evidence has been presented to support these claims, and Paul’s team has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Crawford’s critique adds another layer to the discussion, focusing not just on the fairness of the fight but also on the ethical treatment of a boxing legend who, at 58 years old, was clearly outmatched.
The controversy matters because it raises questions about the integrity of modern boxing promotions and the exploitation of aging athletes for profit. Crawford’s comments reflect a broader concern among fans and业内人士 about whether such high-profile matches prioritize entertainment over athlete welfare. As Tyson’s return to the ring continues to be scrutinized, the debate over scripted fights and the treatment of veteran boxers remains a hot topic in the sports world.
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/25/2026