Most Valuable Promotions. Jake Paul and Mike Tyson.
Early reaction to Jake Paul‘s July 20 boxing match against heavyweight great Mike Tyson, in an event Netflix will stream live, is mixed.
It’ll be “the most watched fight in the history of the sport,” Jomboy Media’s Dan Canobbio posted March 7 on X.
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson will be the most watched fight in the history of the sport
“This fight will be [expletive] massive,” podcaster True Geordie posted along with an exploding-head emoji.
Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul CONFIRMED
This fight will be fucking massive 🤯
Others on social media seemed less excited about the fight, which will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and will be available for streaming to anyone with a Netflix subscription.
“It’s going to suck but we’re all gonna watch it,” Barstool Sports posted.
Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson is officially going down this Summer. It’s going to suck but we’re all gonna watch it @KFCBarstool @KFCradio
MMA creator Karissa Maxwell McKee posted: “I’m old enough to remember when Celebrity Deathmatch was inspired by boxing and not the other way around.”
I’m old enough to remember when Celebrity Deathmatch was inspired by boxing and not the other way around.
And Paul’s rival KSI pointed to Tyson’s age (58 by the time fight night arrives), posting: “No one wanted this … so sad to see, man.”
Boxing News columnist Elliot Worsell was far more scathing.
He wrote that it’s “the surest sign yet that all that matters today, in boxing as is in life, is profile and clout.”
He added: “Influencers like Jake Paul, as well as so many others, have courageously shown that all you really need to do to get ahead is dress up, [and] give yourself a title.
“As for Tyson, a tragedy with far too many dramatic moments for it to be believed, this fight with Paul – if of course it happens – merely represents the latest sad chapter in a story packed full of them.”
Paul Is the Early Favorite to Win the Match
It is unclear whether this fight is legitimate — like some of Paul’s pro bouts — or merely an exhibition, like the last time Tyson stepped in the ring to participate in an unofficial bout with Roy Jones Jr. in 2020. Heavy contacted event organizers to find out more but have yet to receive a response.
Despite Tyson’s pedigree as a former heavyweight champion — the youngest fighter ever to have won boxing’s top honor — he will turn 58 years old on June 30 and was seen on video two years ago walking with a cane, according to The Sun.
Paul, in contrast, turned 27 in January and competes two or three times a year.
Bookmakers have determined that Paul is the favorite to win.
🚨 ODDS! 🚨
Jake Paul: -500
Mike Tyson: +325
Who we got? ‼️
Jake Paul Vows to Knock Out Mike Tyson
Tyson posted March 7 on X: “We signed the contract.”
Paul was more forthcoming on X, going so far as to say that he’d knock out Tyson out come fight night.
It’s “the biggest fight of the 21st century,” according to Paul, and taking place inside “the biggest NFL stadium in the US, broadcast live, on the biggest streaming platform in the world.
“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,” he said.
In a closing comment, Paul said it’s “time to put Iron Mike to sleep.”
Netflix unveiled a promo trailer for the show and said fans “won’t want to miss” it.
It’s JAKE PAUL vs. MIKE TYSON — yes, really! — in a LIVE BOXING event at AT&T Stadium you won’t want to miss. Airing live on Netflix Saturday, July 20 #PaulTyson