UFC star Conor McGregor and music mogul Drake have lost combined winnings of up $9million (£7.1m) after betting on Mike Tyson’s highly-anticipated fight with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Paul made the age-difference count in a professional and assured performance over the 58-year-old.
The pair broke the record for highest-grossing combat sport event in Texas history before they touched gloves on Saturday morning after the gate revenue for the bout, co-headlined by Katie Taylor’s rematch with Amanda Serrano, surpassed $17.8million (£14million) with over 70,000 in attendance as Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Paul was looking to add the boxing icon to his list of triumphs over combat sports figures, such as Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley.
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However, despite having the odds stacked in his favour, he was widely unfavoured by public figures, with Canadian music star Drake betting $335,000 on Mike Tyson to win. But McGregor topped that with a double, including Jon Jones to beat Stipe Miocic on Sunday at UFC 309, which would’ve pocketed the Irishman a return reportedly in the region of $8million.
McGregor has been a name on the lips of the American influencer, since he made the transition into boxing, but their feud has remained online for the moment.
Tyson started off strong, marching Paul around the ring, but as he tired, the 27-year-old took full advantage and landed a series of combinations throughout the eight rounds.
The veteran heavyweight marked his return to the professional stage after two decades sporting a brace on his right knee. Despite turning 59 at the end of June, he failed to rule out stepping foot in the ring one more time.
“I don’t know, depends on the situation,” Tyson admitted. “I don’t think (it’s the last time). Maybe his brother (fight Logan Paul).”
