Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul, the 80 million fight that breaks the rules and confirms the arrival of Netflix in boxing

The next Friday November 15the world of boxing will witness one of the most unusual and anticipated fights in recent times. Inside AT&T Stadium from Arlington, Texas, Two completely opposite characters will face off in a ring that merges the old and new schools of fighting.

On one side, the legendary former heavyweight champion Mike Tysonof 58 years oldand on the other, the controversial YouTuber turned boxer, Jake Pauljust 27 years old.

This event has been described by many critics as “the greatest boxing circus spectacle”, and no wonder: this fight brings in a purse of 80 million dollars, record prices for VIP tickets, a difference of historical age and the exclusive streaming on Netflixwhich represents the platform’s first major step into the world of combat sports.

The long-awaited fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, initially scheduled for July 20was postponed due to Tyson’s health issues. In May, while flying from Miami to Los Angeles, Tyson suffered a medical emergency due to a ulcer that made you vomit bloodforcing him to suspend his training and receive medical treatment.

This led Netflix, in charge of transmission, to announce the postponement of the event to November 15ensuring both fighters had ample time to prepare. From now on, the fight will take place in all optimal physical conditions for both.

Shock of generations

Mike Tysonknown as “the most feared man on the planet”, returns to the ring nearly four decades after his professional debut and more than 15 years since his retirement official.

With a recording of 44 victories by knockout in his 58 fightsTyson was, at the time, a machine of destruction in the ring. However, his age and lack of professional activity raise doubts about his resistance and his ability to face a much younger rival.

In the opposite corner, Jake Paulnicknamed “The Problem Child”, is a boxer who, although far from having the career of Tyson, has managed to build a profitable career through controversial victories against carefully selected opponents, including media personalities social workers, former NBA players and mixed martial arts retirees. fighters.

With a mark of 10 victories and only one defeatPaul proved to be a worthy contender for his short career. However, for many, the emphasis on creating spectacle rather than legitimate competition has turned this fight into a mere publicity strategy rather than a true sporting battle.

Netflix, a change in the industry

What makes this match particularly unique is that will not be broadcast in traditional pay-per-view (PPV) formatbut through Netflix. The streaming platform has secured exclusive rights to the event, marking a significant milestone in the way live sports are consumed.

Netflix subscribers will be able to watch the fight no additional costssomething completely innovative in the world of boxing, where big fights generally cost between $50 and $100 per PPV.

In addition to increasing its subscriber base, Netflix plans to expand to others sporting events such as NFL and WWE. To which must be added the ‘grand slam‘, the exhibition match between Rafa Nadal And Carlos Alcaraz disputed in Las Vegas that the streaming company was organizing and broadcasting exclusively on its platform.

With this fight, the platform hopes to gauge the potential appeal that fight events can have for its subscribers, which could open up new sports entertainment opportunities in the streaming world.

The fighters got a deal worth 31 million pounds (around $40 million) each for this fight. Additionally, tickets for the event also broke price records, with VIP packages that reach $2 million.

These exclusive seats, located less than two meters from the ring, allow their buyers access to private areas, tours of the locker rooms of both fighters, an open bar and a top-notch gourmet menu, as well as support from personal safety to move around. through the stadium.

It is expected that more than 60,000 fans come to AT&T Stadium to watch the showdown live, while millions of people around the world tune in to Netflix to watch it from home.

Real fight or circus?

Since its announcement, the fight between Tyson and Paul has generated a series of divided opinions within the boxing world. For some, this fight represents a lack of respect for the tradition of the sport.

Barry McGuiganboxing legend and promoter, expressed concern, saying Tyson might end up remembered “for that embarrassing show with a YouTuber.” Other experts, such as the coach Plush Atlascalled Tyson a “weak and imperfect man”, considering that a man of his age should have left the ring long ago.

In contrast, Tyson defended his decision, arguing that “If he can still fight at 10% of what he was, Jake Paul won’t stand a chance“Tyson is also known for his eccentric lifestyle which includes the use of substances such as marijuana and hallucinogenic mushrooms to, according to him, enhance his workout and feel at peace. In fact, he has not ruled out possibility of fighting under the effects of these substances, declaring in a humorous tone that he could fight while “high”.

Jake Paul, for his part, resumed the fight with the same provocation that characterizes him. At a press conference, he openly declared: “I’m gonna win 40 million dollars and knock out a legend. “I don’t care about anything else.” Additionally, in a promo for the fight, he took a lie detector test as he claimed he would beat Tyson, but the machine disagreed, suggesting that even Paul doubts his own ability to fight. beat the former champion.

This fight undoubtedly represents a high-risk gamble for both sides. Tyson, who has been criticized for his recent fights and physical condition, risks damaging his legacy if he loses to a young, still inexperienced boxer.

Meanwhile, Paul, who has earned millions of dollars from his fights, is determined to prove he can defeat a true boxing legend, even if it’s under conditions that experts question.

For the fight, both boxers will use 14 ounce gloves instead of the usual 10 ounces, and the fight will be fought in two-minute rounds instead of three, a measure requested by Tyson to increase the intensity of the fight.

Neither will wear a helmet and both know the risk of serious injury is present in a fight that, to many, seems more like an entertainment spectacle than a professional fight.

All evening

In addition to the expected confrontation between Mike Tyson And Jake Paulthe boxing evening from Friday November 15 to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texaswill be accompanied by exciting fights that promise to keep fans in suspense.

Katie Taylor Vs. Amandine Serrano: In a highly anticipated rematch, undisputed lightweight champion Katie Taylor will defend her IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO titles against Amanda Serrano. Their first fight was considered one of the best in women’s boxing, and this second fight promises to be just as intense as both boxers look to cement their legacies in the sport.

Mario Barrios vs. Abel Ramos: This WBC welterweight title fight pits two hard-hitting American boxers against each other. Mario Barrios, known for his aggressive style, will look to take the title from Abel Ramos, who has proven to be a strong and resilient champion in previous defenses.

Neeraj Goyat Vs. Whindersson Nunes: Indian Neeraj Goyat takes on Brazilian Whindersson Nunes, who apart from being a YouTube celebrity, has successfully ventured into professional boxing. This fight will attract fans from both countries and add an international touch to the evening.

Shadasia Green vs. Melinda Watpool: On the women’s side, Shadasia Green will face Melinda Watpool in a fight that could define the next title contender in her category. Both boxers have impressive records and styles that guarantee action in the ring.

Lucas Bahdi against. Corey Sniper: These two emerging lightweights will look to climb the rankings with a convincing victory. Lucas Bahdi of Canada and Corey Marksman of the United States promise a tactical and intense duel.

Bruce Carrington vs. Dana Coolwell: In the featherweight category, American Bruce Carrington will face Australian Dana Coolwell. Both are young prospects with remarkable technical skills and will look to take advantage of this platform to make themselves known internationally.

The main card will begin at 02:00 on Saturday, November 16 in Spain (Peninsula time), given that there is a 7-hour time difference from Texas.

The starfight is expected to take place Jake Paul and Mike Tyson take place around 5:00 a.m.. For Spanish fans it will be a long evening, but full of one of the shows never seen before and which is worth following live.

The fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul is an event that breaks all the rules and marks a new era for boxing and live sports. Between the spectacle, the controversy and the anticipation, this confrontation seems to have been born with a clear objective: to capture the attention of the whole world and bring boxing to an audience who had perhaps never considered it before.

Streaming on Netflix, the huge prize money and the unique combination of a veteran icon and a young digital star made this fight one of a kind.