In a groundbreaking announcement, Netflix has declared that it will stream a live boxing event featuring social media influencer and burgeoning boxer Jake Paul, as he prepares to enter the ring against none other than the former heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson. The high-stakes bout is scheduled to take place on July 20 at AT&T Stadium, marking a novel chapter in both Jake Paul’s boxing journey and Netflix’s expanding venture into live sports broadcasting.
This event is poised to be the first combat sports show that Netflix will produce live, a decision that exemplifies the streaming service’s ambitious move into sports production. Jake Paul, 27, is recognized for his influential online presence that has seamlessly transitioned into a promising boxing career. His opponent, 57-year-old Mike Tyson, is a boxing legend returning to the ring following his November 2020 exhibition match with Roy Jones Jr.
There is a lingering question over whether this contest will be conducted as a professional fight or as another exhibition due to the significant age difference, with Tyson turning 58 in July. Whatever the format, it will require the approval of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which oversees boxing in the state. Despite the scrutiny, Tyson’s social media presence, featuring his sharp training sessions, has kept fan anticipation high.
The danger of boxing doesn’t wane with time, however, as seen when Tyson’s bout with Jones was constrained to an exhibition by the California State Athletic Commission. These regulations highlight the risks involved, especially with fighters at Tyson’s age.
Paul’s career in professional boxing began four years ago and has since seen him win nine out of 10 fights, with six by knockout. While his opponents have included mixed martial artists and another YouTuber, Paul’s only defeat was against Tommy Fury, the younger half-brother of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
Paul expressed his ambition and determination on social media, stating, “My sights are set on becoming a world champion, and now I have a chance to prove myself against the greatest heavyweight champion of the world, the baddest man on the planet, and the most dangerous boxer of all time. Time to put Iron Mike to sleep.”
Tyson, known as “Iron Mike,” reigned as the undisputed world heavyweight champion from 1987 to 1990 and retired in 2005 after securing 50 fight wins, 44 by knockout. Although his fight against Jones was deemed an unofficial draw, it showcased that Tyson’s entertaining boxing style remains.
Regarding the upcoming bout, Tyson shared his views with enthusiasm. “I’m very much looking forward to stepping into the ring with Jake Paul at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas,” explained Tyson. “He’s grown significantly as a boxer over the years, so it will be a lot of fun to see what the will and ambition of a ‘kid’ can do with the experience and aptitude of a GOAT.”
It’s a particularly poetic matchup, considering that Paul had his second professional fight on the undercard of the Tyson-Jones event, where he spectacularly knocked out former NBA player Nate Robinson. Paul hopes to continue raising his level of competition and potentially inch towards fighting for an authentic world title.
This fight scheduled at the Dallas Cowboys’ home stadium will be Netflix’s third live sporting event after experimenting with different sports like a crossover golf/auto racing event and a tennis exhibition match, The Netflix Slam, featuring Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas.
Most Valuable Promotions, owned by Paul, will partner with Netflix to stage this much-anticipated show. With the spotlight on AT&T Stadium, this event is set to captivate boxing aficionados and Netflix audiences worldwide, bringing live sports entertainment into a new era.
