The stage is set for a historic showdown in the boxing world as former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson prepares to face YouTube sensation-turned-professional boxer Jake Paul in an eight-round fight this Friday.
This event marks Netflix’s debut in the sports arena and has captured the attention of fans and critics alike, sparking widespread excitement.
Jake Paul, 27, has rapidly ascended the ranks of professional boxing after transitioning from social media fame to a legitimate fighting career. With a record of 10-1, including seven knockouts, the Ohio native’s rise was solidified with a dominant victory over former UFC and Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship fighter Mike Perry this past July.
But across the ring stands the legendary Tyson, 58, whose iconic career has spanned decades. Despite his age, Tyson’s aggressive fighting style and knockout power have remained etched in the annals of boxing history. This fight marks Tyson’s return to professional boxing for the first time since his loss to Kevin McBride in 2005. Tyson briefly came out of retirement for an exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020, but this will be his first official fight in nearly two decades.
Tyson, with a record of 50-6 and 44 knockouts, is determined to prove that age is just a number, despite the skepticism surrounding his ability to compete at the highest level. “I’m just ready to fight,” Tyson said confidently during a media event on Wednesday, his calm demeanor in stark contrast to Paul’s more theatrical presence.
Paul, on the other hand, was all energy, eager to talk up his upcoming fight. “Big fights, big knockouts,” Paul said, emphasizing his desire to bring a fresh, exciting energy to the sport. He has repeatedly stated that his goal is to become the biggest name in boxing, even criticizing fighters like Floyd Mayweather Jr. for their tactical approach, which he believes lacks the excitement fans crave.
In true Jake Paul fashion, the 27-year-old issued a series of playful bets to other fighters at the event, offering to wager his fight purse—or even as little as $20—if he were to lose to Tyson.
The event also showcased the star power of other boxers, but the main attraction is, without a doubt, the Tyson vs. Paul showdown. The bout has captured the public’s imagination, with all eyes on the two fighters in the lead-up to the fight.
Tyson, however, is undistracted by the circus surrounding the match. “The people speak for themselves,” he said, focusing solely on Paul and treating him with the same respect as any other boxer. For Tyson, this fight isn’t just about silencing critics—it’s about honoring his legacy and stepping back into the ring on his own terms.
Originally scheduled for July 20, the fight was postponed after Tyson suffered an ulcer flare-up. Now, with the event set to take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, a sell-out crowd of 70,000 fans is expected to be in attendance. Despite the massive turnout, a limited number of tickets are still available.
The main card begins at 8 p.m. ET, and it will feature a co-headliner: a highly anticipated rematch between Ireland’s Katie Taylor and Puerto Rico’s Amanda Serrano for the undisputed super lightweight world title. Their previous encounter in May 2022 at Madison Square Garden was a thrilling fight that captured the attention of boxing fans worldwide.
