ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The much-anticipated matchup between 58-year-old former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson and youthful YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul is deeply rooted in a mix of camaraderie and rivalry. This bout marks a significant moment as it is set to be the first-ever combat sports event streamed on Netflix, breaking away from traditional pay-per-view and cable formats.
“I believe the fans have a special place for Mike Tyson in their hearts,” Paul remarked, responding to the raucous boos he has received at promotional events featuring both fighters. “I’m seen as the new contender, the disruptor—loud and polarizing. I’ve made my career as the villain, and that incites people to root against me, which ultimately benefits boxing.”
With over 60,000 spectators anticipated at the home of the Dallas Cowboys this Friday night, Tyson is making his first sanctioned professional appearance in nearly two decades. The fight will be accessible at no extra charge to Netflix’s 280 million global subscribers.
Paul, now 27, is relatively new to the sport, boasting a record of 10-1 with seven knockouts, primarily against mixed martial artists and less experienced boxers. “I had a vision for this fight about two years ago, and I shared it with Tyson because I thought he would appreciate it,” Paul stated. This exchange eventually led to the fight being organized.
As the bout draws closer, Tyson expressed that there are “no feelings attached” regarding their friendship. This sentiment was further highlighted during a tense moment post-weigh-in when Tyson slapped Paul during a faceoff. “The talk is over,” Tyson said before disengaging from inquiries, weighing in at 228 pounds, while Paul checked in at 227. “Now it’s personal,” Paul shouted into a microphone before exiting the stage.
Tyson, who retired in 2005 with a career record of 50-6 and 44 knockouts, last fought in an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020, noting at that time that he had lost his passion for the sport. In a recent documentary, he revealed that he had shed 26 pounds during a recovery period after suffering from a stomach ulcer, which led to the rescheduling of the fight originally slated for July 20.
Promoter Nakisa Bidarian, who co-founded Most Valuable Promotions with Paul, acknowledged the concern around Tyson’s health as he prepares for the match. “I’m anxious for both men. Jake has never received a clean shot from someone like Mike Tyson, and Mike hasn’t faced anyone like Jake in a long while. That dynamic is what makes this event captivating,” Bidarian commented.
Shareholders in the boxing world have raised alarms regarding the health implications of a fighter of Tyson’s age stepping into the ring. However, Tyson dismissed concerns, stating, “The old Mike Tyson no longer has a role in my life. I’m enjoying life to the fullest.” He emphasized that he is not fighting for financial gain, even though he is reportedly set to earn $20 million from the match while Paul is expected to pocket $40 million.
The state of Texas has sanctioned this fight, which is tailored for safety, comprising eight rounds with two-minute intervals and heavier gloves to mitigate punch power. Paul, despite the age difference, is relentless in advocating for the fight, comparing it to a hypothetical face-off between NBA stars: “Imagine if Ja Morant refused to play one-on-one against LeBron James,” he said. “Opportunities like this don’t come around.”
Additionally, the fight card features a highly-touted co-main event—Katie Taylor versus Amanda Serrano—looking to shine a spotlight on women’s boxing after their historic clash at Madison Square Garden in 2022. Bidarian indicated that the rematch for the undisputed super lightweight title could become the most lucrative women’s sporting event ever, with both fighters looking to capitalize on their previous acclaim.
As both Tyson and Paul gear up for confrontation, the excitement continues to build, driven by their contrasting personas, and the event promises to captivate audiences worldwide.
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