Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight: A leaked 'script' sparks fixing rumours. Here's what we know

In a night set to blur the lines between sport and spectacle, the showdown between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul is unfolding with the intrigue of a Hollywood script—literally. 

As the fighters prepared for their highly anticipated bout at Texas’ AT&T Stadium, a supposed “leaked script” began circulating online, laying out a round-by-round breakdown of Tyson’s eventual knockout at the hands of the younger YouTuber-turned-boxer. 

Though its authenticity is dubious, the document has added fuel to an already roaring fire.

This clash is far from the traditional 12-round slugfests Tyson once dominated. Instead, it’s an eight-round format with two-minute rounds, sanctioned for safety by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. 

Tyson’s age—58—and health concerns have already led doctors to caution against potential brain injury. As a result, both men will be outfitted with oversized 14-ounce gloves to reduce impact, a rare choice for a "pro" bout.

Adding to the theater, promoter Eddie Hearn and former Tyson trainer Teddy Atlas have voiced their own suspicions, likening the bout to staged entertainment. 

In a candid interview, retired boxer Carl Froch claimed, “I’ve heard there’s something in the contract which means Tyson can’t even try to hurt him,” while Atlas openly questioned, “Is it real?” Both have wondered aloud if Tyson will really be let off the leash.

Paul himself has attempted to brush aside skepticism, insisting on authenticity. He’s promised to bring out the “old savage Mike” in Tyson, daring him to make it a real brawl, while claiming, “Someone is getting knocked the f*** out.” His business partner, Nakisa Bidarian, assured fans this is a legitimate fight, warning it would be a federal crime to fix a match with betting involved.

And yet, it’s hard to ignore the precedent. A previous Paul fight saw a similar “script” leak, fueling rumors of pre-planned outcomes. With Netflix broadcasting Friday’s event to millions, and ticket sales raking in over $17.8 million, Tyson vs. Paul is more than a fight; it’s a lucrative spectacle. Whether it’s a blood-and-guts clash or a carefully managed dance, fans will be watching to see if this bout delivers a genuine knockdown—or just another flashy performance.