Netflix is making waves in the live sports arena with a major announcement. Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson is set to return to the ring in a highly anticipated bout against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. This “boxing mega-event” is scheduled to stream exclusively on Netflix on July 20, marking a significant venture for the entertainment giant into the world of live sports.
The clash between Tyson and Paul will take place at the iconic AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. This matchup is not just about the fight; it represents Netflix’s bold move to solidify its position as the top destination for at-home entertainment in the United States, challenging traditional broadcast and cable networks.
Tyson’s return to boxing at the age of 58 adds an extra layer of intrigue to the event. Known for his ferocity in the ring, Tyson’s career boasts an impressive record, including 37 consecutive victories, with 33 of them by knockout. However, his life has also been marked by controversies and legal troubles, adding to the drama surrounding his comeback.
“I’m very much looking forward to stepping into the ring with Jake Paul at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington. 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.”
Mike Tyson
On the other side of the ring, Jake Paul, a social media influencer turned professional boxer, brings his own brand of excitement. With a 9-1 record, including six knockouts, Paul has quickly made a name for himself in the boxing world.
“It’s crazy to think that in my second pro fight, I went viral for knocking out Nate Robinson on Mike Tyson’s undercard. Now, less than four years later, I’m stepping up to face Tyson myself to see if I have what it takes to beat one of boxing’s most notorious fighters and biggest icons. Within just two and a half years of founding MVP, we’re about to produce the biggest fight in history, a fight in the biggest NFL stadium in the US, broadcast live, on the biggest streaming platform in the world – a testament to all we’ve accomplished in such a short amount of time. Whether you’re tuning in on Netflix or showing out in person, whether you’re team Paul or team Tyson, or whether you’re a lifelong boxing fan or watching your first fight, you’re not going to want to miss this event. I could not be more excited to make this amazing fight available to all Netflix subscribers alongside the hardest hitter of all time, Mike Tyson, on Saturday, July 20th. My sights are set on becoming a world champion, and now I have a chance to prove myself against the greatest heavyweight champion ever, the baddest man on the planet and the most dangerous boxer of all time. This will be the fight of a lifetime.”
Jake Paul
The event is a result of a partnership between Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions, a company co-founded by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian. With a mission to provide more creative control to fighters, this collaboration promises a unique and engaging experience for viewers.
This matchup is not just a fight; it’s a spectacle, a clash of generations that is sure to captivate audiences worldwide. As Netflix continues to expand its sports programming, Tyson vs. Paul is set to be one of the most-watched boxing events in modern history, showcasing the streaming platform’s growing influence in the world of sports entertainment.