Mike Tyson, at 58 years old, is set to fight Jake Paul, 26, in a professional bout at Dallas’ AT&T Stadium, highlighting the unusual nature of this boxing spectacle. The fight, which will feature bigger gloves and shorter two-minute rounds, has been sanctioned as a professional match and will be broadcast live on Netflix to its 280 million subscribers.
The event’s backdrop is remarkable: when Jake Paul was born in January 1997, boxing magazines were questioning whether Tyson was “finished” after his loss to Evander Holyfield. Now, 27 years later, the two are preparing to face each other in a highly anticipated match.
The fight has sparked significant controversy. Critics argue that a YouTuber like Paul does not deserve the opportunity to challenge Tyson’s boxing legacy. Paul counters by pointing out that Tyson himself wanted this to be a professional fight. The event has raised serious questions about the authenticity and safety of the match.
Tyson’s health is a primary concern. The fight was previously postponed when he suffered a stomach ulcer, and he reportedly feared he might die. During recent interviews, Tyson was observed breathing heavily, though he insists his health is “fine”. Despite not having fought professionally in 19 years, he has maintained impressive physical condition, as demonstrated by training videos showing his continued punching power.
Paul, a boxing novice, approaches the fight with a unique perspective, comparing his boxing journey to a video game. However, boxing experts remind that boxing is not a game, and one punch can be potentially fatal.
The financial motivations are significant. Paul is reportedly earning around £31 million, with Tyson earning half that amount. A VIP package valued at £1.5 million has been sold, including ringside tickets and photo opportunities with the fighters.
The event’s broader appeal lies in its cross-generational attraction. Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, believes the fight will draw viewers from ages 4 to 80 who are fans of Tyson from different eras.
Interestingly, the card also features a highly respected women’s boxing match between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, which some critics argue is being overshadowed by the Tyson-Paul spectacle.
Tyson’s pre-fight comments suggest he is approaching this as a serious contest. “Jake is in a lot of trouble,” he stated. “In the ring is where the party begins and he’s finally going to party with the big boys.”
The Netflix broadcast and massive expected crowd of 70,000 indicate significant public interest. However, questions remain about the fight’s legitimacy, the potential risks to the aging Tyson, and whether this represents a genuine sporting contest or merely entertainment.
The hope, as the article concludes, is that the event does not turn out to be a “horror” in the boxing world.
