Jake Paul to Face Mike Tyson in High-Stakes Boxing Match at AT&T Stadium
ICARO Media Group
ARLINGTON, Texas - Streaming platform Netflix has announced that social media sensation Jake Paul will go head-to-head against former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson on July 20. The highly anticipated fight will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, marking Netflix's first foray into live sports production.
The main event will feature the 27-year-old Paul and the 57-year-old Tyson, who last fought in an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. in November 2020. However, it remains uncertain whether the upcoming showdown will be classified as a professional fight or an exhibition, given Tyson's age. The specific details of the bout are subject to approval from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the governing body for boxing in the state.
Tyson has been sharing workout videos on social media, showcasing his sharp training skills. Nevertheless, boxing carries its inherent dangers, regardless of age. Last year, the California State Athletic Commission categorized his exhibition match with Jones as a lively sparring session.
Paul, who initially gained fame as a YouTube influencer, transitioned to professional boxing four years ago. With an impressive record of nine victories, including six knockouts, in 10 fights against predominantly lesser-known opponents, he has steadily built a devoted fan base. His sole defeat came at the hands of Tommy Fury, the less-accomplished half-brother of current WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
Expressing his determination to become a world champion, Paul declared, "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," in a post on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Mike Tyson, also known as "Iron Mike," held the undisputed world heavyweight title from 1987 to 1990. Retiring in 2005 with an impressive record of 50 wins, including 44 knockouts, Tyson remains one of the most legendary and formidable figures in boxing. His exhibition fight against Jones last year ended as a draw.
Expressing his excitement, Tyson said, "I'm very much looking forward to stepping into the ring with Jake Paul at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. 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 full circle moment that will be beyond thrilling to watch; as I started him off on his boxing journey on the undercard of my fight with Roy Jones and now I plan to finish him."
Paul's second professional bout took place on the undercard of the Tyson-Jones fight, where he knocked out former NBA player Nate Robinson. Most recently, Paul triumphed over journeyman professional boxer Ryan Bourland. As he continues his pursuit of a real world title, a match against the revered Tyson will undoubtedly provide Paul with his highest-profile stage yet.
Paul's promotional company, Most Valuable Promotions, is partnering with Netflix to host the event. This will be Netflix's third venture into live sporting events, following their successful golf/auto racing crossover event last November and the recent exhibition tennis match called The Netflix Slam, featuring Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas.
With the countdown to the Paul vs. Tyson showdown underway, boxing fans around the world eagerly anticipate witnessing this clash between the rising star and the legendary heavyweight champion in what promises to be an unforgettable night of boxing.