Jake Paul to Face Mike Tyson in a Major Boxing Event

By Erik Drost (via Wikipedia)

In a highly anticipated boxing event, former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson is set to meet YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in the ring. The match is scheduled for July 20 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The event is expected to be the main draw on a card that will air on Netflix, marking the streaming giant’s first venture into combat sports.

Jake Paul’s Rising Boxing Career

Jake Paul, who initially gained recognition for his online content, rose to combat sports fame after he knocked out former NBA player Nate Robinson. This took place in 2020 on the undercard of Mike Tyson’s exhibition boxing match with Roy Jones Jr. Paul, aged 27, has since taken on and defeated former UFC stars such as Nate Diaz, Anderson Silva, and Tyron Woodley in high-profile main events. He has also notched first-round knockouts against Andre August and Ryan Bourland.

Mike Tyson’s Return to the Ring

Mike Tyson, one of the most revered and feared heavyweight boxers in history, will be 58 years old at the time of the fight. Tyson last held a professional fight in 2005 and retired after two consecutive defeats. However, he has remained in good shape, as evident from his draw against Roy Jones Jr. in an exhibition match in 2020 and his recent training videos on social media.

A Match of High Expectations

The upcoming match between Paul and Tyson is already attracting significant attention. Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), who brokered the deal with Netflix, expects it to be the “most-watched boxing event in modern boxing history.” The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which oversees combat sports in the state, is still determining whether the event will be classified as a professional fight or an exhibition.

Netflix’s Foray into Live Sports

Netflix, which has recently started moving aggressively into live sports, will be broadcasting the fight. The streaming platform previously aired the Netflix Cup, a competition between Formula 1 drivers and golfers, and the Netflix Slam, a tennis match. Gabe Spitzer, Netflix vice president for nonfiction sports, expressed his excitement about the upcoming fight, stating it will be “pure drama in the ring in Texas.”

The Paul vs. Tyson match symbolizes a convergence of traditional boxing fame and the rising popularity of crossover boxing. This momentous event is sure to captivate boxing fans and casual spectators alike.