Get ready for some fireworks as the legendary Mike Tyson prepares to step back inside the boxing ring against the social media sensation Jake Paul. Scheduled to be streamed live on Netflix on November 15, 2024, from the iconic AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, this bout promises to deliver action and drama.
Both Tyson and Paul have made headlines for different reasons, each bringing their unique backgrounds to the match. Tyson, now 58, hasn't fought professionally since his tenure ended nearly two decades ago, but his recent training and exhibitions suggest he hasn't lost his fighting spirit. Meanwhile, Paul, at 27, has built his boxing career from his origins as a YouTube influencer, boasting a professional record of 10 wins and 1 loss.
The anticipation for this fight has been building up, especially after their first meeting was postponed due to health concerns for Tyson, who faced complications from ulcers. But now, with health issues seemingly behind him, the stage is set for this epic showdown, reportedly attracting up to 80,000 attendees at the venue.
On fight night, the main card is expected to kick off around 8 PM ET, with the highly anticipated Tyson versus Paul bout likely hitting the ring around 11 PM ET. For fans eager to catch the event live, the match will be streamed exclusively on Netflix, marking a fascinating shift from traditional pay-per-view boxing events.
To catch this showdown, viewers need to be Netflix subscribers. Unlike conventional boxing events, which often charge exorbitant prices for pay-per-view access, if you're already subscribed to Netflix, you won't have to pay anything extra. New subscribers can benefit from plans starting as low as $6.99—a fraction of what other sporting pay-per-views might charge.
Here's how Netflix's subscription tiers break down: the ad-supported plan costs $6.99 per month, allowing access to most movies and shows; the standard plan is available for $15.49 per month without ads; and the premium plan, which provides 4K streaming and access on multiple devices, costs $22.99 each month. Each option offers fans flexibility on how to enjoy the fight without breaking the bank.
The fight itself is set for eight two-minute rounds, and knockouts are allowed. Interestingly, the boxers will not wear head guards, though they'll use 14-ounce gloves, which are heavier than the standard 10-ounce gloves used typically.
When it boils down to earnings, both fighters stand to make impressive sums for this event. While Tyson, according to some sources, is set to earn approximately $20 million, Paul has boasted of his potential to collect around $40 million. Prior to the fight, Paul playfully created buzz by offering Tyson $5 million to last past four rounds, but also had the caveat of potentially facing embarrassment—a tattoo reading "I love Jake Paul" if he couldn't endure.
Beyond the numbers, the match carries significant interest due to the contrasting personas of the two fighters. Paul, the brash new face of boxing, and Tyson, the former heavyweight champion showcasing tremendous skill, provoke curiosity about how experience will match up against youthful vigor. Tyson has discussed his somewhat tumultuous past but insists he's ready to reclaim the ring and put on a show, arguing, "I’m not here to make friends; I’m here for the fight.”
While the event is expected to entertain audiences worldwide, it has also stirred conversations within the boxing community. Many traditionalists question the merit of such matches involving social media stars—not merely arguing about skill but also the sanctity of boxing as sport. Regardless, the allure of spectacle here overrides purist concerns, positioning this fight as not just a boxing match but as entertainment with all the glitz and drama one would expect from two larger-than-life personalities.
