In 2024, anything goes – and that means Mike Tyson stepping into the ring with YouTuber Jake Paul.
Tyson will face off against Paul in a bout scheduled for eight rounds.
The world of boxing has long been a stage for high drama, intense rivalries, and awe-inspiring athleticism. But in recent years, the sport has also become a playground for an unexpected twist: celebrity boxing matches.
This Friday, the phenomenon reaches new heights as 58-year-old Mike Tyson, a former heavyweight champion, takes on 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
With an eye-watering $40 million purse on the line and no championship belts at stake, the matchup has sparked heated debates among fans and critics.
Some view it as a fun, innovative way to attract new audiences, while others see it as a spectacle that undermines the art of boxing. Whatever your stance, one thing is clear: the Tyson-Paul showdown is more than just a fight—it’s a cultural moment.
And with a 30+-year age difference, one can see why Paul is in that position. But that doesn’t mean The Baddest Man in the Planet isn’t ready for what will no doubt be one of the most important bouts of his life.
Mike Tyson hasn’t had a professional bout since 2005, when Jake Paul was just eight years old and was barely in its infancy. More recently, he had an exhibition fight against Roy Jones Jr. at an event where Paul also had a match on the card.
Expectedly, Jake Paul himself said he’s got $40 million on himself – with the ego to match. As he previously stated, “The people think I’m going to get knocked out by this strong, powerful guy. All the people in my comments say, ‘Look at his power. He’s going to get KO’d.’
This has taken a chance to fight somebody as vicious as Mike can be. You got to risk it for the biscuit. That’s the name of the game.
I’m here to make history…He’s vicious. He’s a killer. I know all of these things. He has one-punch knockout power. He’s the greatest heavyweight of all time. But I will prove…all the haters wrong.”
The showdown between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul was first teased last year, with the bout being set for July 2024. However, after Tyson suffered an ulcer flare-up, it had to be postponed until November.
And now that time has finally arrived, with Netflix – who has made a major push to host live sporting events as of late – streaming the event live from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
