He actually did it. In a move that was equal parts brilliant marketing and elite-level trolling, Jake Paul showed up to the final press conference for his Mike Tyson fight wearing literal diamond ear protectors.
Most people saw it as just another "Problem Child" stunt. But if you know anything about boxing history, you know it was a direct, sparkling middle finger to the most infamous moment in Mike Tyson’s career.
I’m talking, of course, about 1997. The MGM Grand. Tyson vs. Holyfield II. The "Bite Fight."
When Jake walked onto that stage in Irving, Texas, he wasn't just wearing jewelry. He was wearing a $200,000 insurance policy against a repeat performance. Or at least, that’s what he told the cameras.
The $200,000 Troll: Jake Paul Diamond Ear Protectors Explained
Let’s get into the specifics of these things because they weren't just some cheap plastic covers glued with glitter. These were custom-made by Vobara, a high-end jeweler based in Miami that Jake has on speed dial.
Basically, they are "spiked" ear covers encrusted with diamonds.
The price tag? Reports vary between $100,000 and $200,000. Honestly, when you’re making the kind of money Jake makes from a Netflix-exclusive mega-event, a couple hundred grand on a joke is basically pocket change.
"I'm not getting my sh*t bit off on Friday night," Jake told the crowd while pointing at his right ear. It was a classic Jake Paul moment—loud, expensive, and designed specifically to go viral on TikTok and Instagram before he even left the podium.
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Why the Spikes Matter
The design wasn't accidental. By adding diamond-studded spikes to the covers, the message was clear: If you try to bite me, it’s going to hurt you more than it hurts me. It was a psychological play.
Mike Tyson, who is now 58 and significantly more mellow than the "Iron Mike" of the 90s, mostly just laughed it off. But for the fans, it reignited the conversation about Tyson’s volatility. It reminded everyone that despite the "Uncle Mike" persona we see on podcasts, this is a man who once bit a literal chunk out of a human being's ear.
The History Behind the Jewelry
You can't talk about the jake paul diamond ear protectors without talking about Evander Holyfield.
In 1997, Tyson was frustrated. Holyfield was leaning in, headbutting, and frustrating the former champion. In a moment of pure, unadulterated chaos, Tyson bit Holyfield’s right ear. Then, after a warning and a point deduction, he did it again to the left ear.
Tyson was disqualified. His license was revoked. He was fined $3 million.
By wearing these protectors, Jake was leaning into the "villain" role that has made him the most polarizing figure in combat sports. He knows that half the audience is watching to see him win, and the other half is watching hoping Tyson knocks his head into the third row.
Are They Functional or Just for Show?
Let’s be real. You can't wear $200,000 diamond spikes during a professional boxing match.
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The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has very strict rules about what a fighter can have on their body. You can't even have a beard that's too long, let alone sharp, expensive rocks attached to your cartilage.
The ear covers were strictly for the press conference and the weigh-ins.
During the actual fight at AT&T Stadium, Jake had to rely on his footwork and his jab to keep Tyson's teeth away from his head. But as a piece of promotional theater? They were 10/10.
The Rest of the Bling
The ear covers weren't even the most expensive thing Jake was wearing that week. He also flaunted a $7 million watch from Jacob & Co. and a custom "Problem Child" chain.
When you add it all up, his pre-fight wardrobe cost more than most boxers make in their entire careers.
- Designer: Vobara (Miami)
- Gemstones: Real diamonds (VS quality)
- Base Metal: Likely 14k or 18k Gold
- Target: Mike Tyson’s 1997 reputation
What This Says About Modern Boxing
Some purists hate this stuff. They think the jake paul diamond ear protectors are a mockery of a "noble" sport.
But here is the reality: boxing is a business.
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Jake Paul understands that in 2026, you aren't just selling a fight; you're selling a narrative. He isn't just a YouTuber playing boxer anymore; he’s a promoter who knows how to hijack the news cycle.
By referencing the Holyfield incident, he connected his fight to one of the biggest moments in sports history. He made the fight feel "legacy" adjacent, even if many people think the match itself was a circus.
Was Tyson Actually Offended?
Tyson’s reaction was surprisingly muted. He’s spent years making peace with the Holyfield incident—they even did a commercial together for "Mike Bites" (ear-shaped cannabis edibles).
If anything, Jake’s stunt probably helped Tyson's bank account as much as his own. More hype means more Netflix viewers, which means more leverage for the next big payday.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans and Collectors
If you're looking to follow the "Jake Paul style," here is the deal:
- Don't buy fake ear protectors. Most of what you see on cheap retail sites right now are "costume" versions of Jake's gear. They look tacky and will probably turn your ear green.
- Custom jewelry is the play. If you actually want high-end "iced out" accessories, you have to go to bespoke designers like Vobara or Ben Baller. Be prepared to spend at least $10k for anything remotely similar in quality.
- Understand the "Troll Economy." Jake Paul’s career is a masterclass in using controversy to build a brand. Whether you love him or hate him, the lesson is clear: attention is the most valuable currency in the world.
The diamond ear protectors will likely end up in a display case in Jake’s Puerto Rico mansion. They served their purpose. They got the world talking, they poked the bear, and they ensured that for one week, everyone was thinking about Mike Tyson’s teeth and Jake Paul’s ears.
Keep an eye on his upcoming matches. If he fights a guy known for body shots, don't be surprised if he shows up to the presser in a diamond-encrusted suit of armor. That's just the Jake Paul way.