Dave Portnoy blasts Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight: "one of the greatest cons of the century"

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy didn't hold back when discussing last Friday's fight between YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul and legendary heavyweight Mike Tyson. Speaking on the "BFFs" podcast, Portnoy labeled the event as "the greatest con-job marketing" he had ever seen, acknowledging its financial success while criticizing its lack of genuine competition.

The exhibition fight ended with a unanimous decision in favor of Jake Paul, sparking widespread criticism online. At 58 years old, Tyson was far from his prime, a fact that led many, including Portnoy, to question the legitimacy of the matchup.

Portnoy commented on X , "Credit to Jake Paul + Mike Tyson for pulling off one of the great cons of the century. I should've put $10 million on Jake. Not because he's good, but because he fought a senior citizen."

Paul himself fueled the controversy post-fight, admitting, "I wanted to give the fans a show but didn't want to hurt someone that didn't need to be hurt."

Tyson's legacy under the spotlight

Portnoy reflected on Tyson's iconic reputation as one of the most fearsome boxers in history, contrasting it with his performance in the ring. "He's a bad guy, he was the baddest, scariest motherf-ker, and that's what people remember. But you just had to be out to lunch if you thought [Tyson was going to win]," Portnoy said.

A global streaming phenomenon

Despite the backlash, the event shattered records as Netflix reported it was the "most-streamed global sporting event ever." Over 108 million viewers tuned in, though many faced buffering issues and low-quality visuals. Netflix has since promised to address these technical difficulties before its upcoming NFL doubleheader on Christmas Day.

A masterclass in hype

While the fight may not have delivered in terms of drama or competitiveness, its success in drawing viewers and generating buzz can't be denied. As Portnoy put it, "I'd take the money too if I could."

The question remains: Was this a celebration of boxing or just another chapter in the growing world of celebrity exhibition fights? Fans and critics alike are left debating whether the payoff justifies the spectacle.