Legendary Mike Tyson returns to the ring to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a heavyweight boxing bout which will be streamed LIVE on Netflix.
Legendary boxer Mike Tyson will be back in the ring after a gap of four years and more than 19 years after hi official retirement – back in 2005 – to take famous YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on Friday night in Texas, United States. Friction helped build the hype for a bout that is testing the formula for how boxing is delivered to the masses, a first-ever combat sports offering from the streaming platform Netflix rather than pay-per-view or traditional cable.
“I think they’re beloved fans of Mike Tyson,” Paul said ahead of his much-talked about bout against Tyson. “And I’m the new kid on the block, the disrupter, loud mouth, polarizing figure. And I’ve built my career as the heel. Naturally people want to root against me, and that’s great for the sport of boxing.”
Tyson’s first sanctioned professional fight in almost 20 years is set for Friday night at the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. A crowd of at least 60,000 is expected while Netflix offers the bout at no additional cost to more than 280 million subscribers globally.
The 27-year-old Paul is relatively new to the sport, the one-time social media influencer bringing a 10-1 record with seven knockouts mostly against mixed martial artists and journeymen boxers.
MIKE TYSON JUST ROCKED JAKE PAUL IN THEIR FINAL FACE OFF 🤯 pic.twitter.com/XYYQRhNmkj
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) November 15, 2024
Tyson appeared to take offense to the way Paul approached him for the faceoff, but didn’t bother explaining. “The talk is over,” Tyson, who checked in at 228 pounds, said when one of the hosts tried to ask a question.
“Now it’s personal,” Paul screamed into a microphone before storming off the stage. Paul weighed 227 pounds.
Tyson was 50-6 with 44 knockouts when he retired after losing to Kevin McBride in 2005, saying he didn’t have anything left to give the sport. He last fought in an exhibition against Roy Jones Jr. with no fans during the pandemic in 2020.
A fight originally scheduled for July 20 was postponed when Tyson had to be treated for a stomach ulcer after falling ill on a flight. Tyson said in a documentary chronicling the preparations for the fight that he lost 26 pounds in the process of recovering.
According to reports, Paul will get $40 million or Rs 338 crore for the fight, a number he mentioned at another news conference in New York in August. Tyson, who had two stints in prison over convictions in the 1990s for rape and assault and declared bankruptcy 21 years ago, will get $20 million or Rs 168 crore.
Several states wouldn’t sanction the bout. Texas agreed to a fight that was eight rounds instead of 10 or 12, with two-minute rounds instead of three, and heavier gloves designed to lessen the power of punches.
Here is all you need to know about Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul bout…
When is Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul boxing bout going to take place?
The Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul boxing bout will take place on Friday night (Saturday morning India time), November 15.
What time will Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul boxing bout take place?
Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul boxing bout will start at 630pm IST.
Where is Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul boxing bout taking place?
Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul boxing bout will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
How can I watch livestreaming of Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul boxing bout in India?
Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul boxing bout will be livestreamed on Netflix streaming website and app.
What is the prize money on offer for Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul boxing bout?
YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul is guaranteed to get Rs 338 crore from this bout while legendary Mike Tyson will Rs 168 crore from it.
Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul boxing bout Fight Card
Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson – Heavyweight
Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano – Super Lightweight (IBF, IBO, WBC & WBO women’s world titles)
Mario Barrios vs Abel Ramos – Welterweight (WBC world title)
Shadasia Green vs Melinda Watpool – Super middleweight (WBO women’s world title)
Bruce Carrington vs Dana Coolwell – Featherweight
