He is willing to accept anything for this. “But if I do it badly, I don’t want to die in a hospital bed. I want to die in the ring.” The statements come from a three-part Netflix documentary that is intended to prepare the mood for the fight between the ex-heavyweight world champion and influencer Jake Paul.
In terms of sport, the duel between the megastar of the 80s and 90s and the 31-year-younger competitor on Saturday night (around 2 a.m./Netflix) is not really to be taken seriously. But the fact that “Iron Mike” is getting back in the ring for an official fight and that the reach and marketing power of Netflix is behind it makes it a mega event. Paul’s promoter Nakisa Bidarian predicted “the most watched boxing event in modern boxing history.”
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The day “Iron Mike” Tyson showed too much bite
There will be 80,000 fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington (Texas), the stadium of the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL. “I could rest,” said 58-year-old Tyson, “but I want to fight this guy and kick his ass.” By the way, the fee is also right. Experts assume that Tyson, as the big draw of the number, will collect between 50 and 100 million euros.
Mike Tyson gegen Jake Paul
At the best of times, the dazzling boxing star could buy anything he wanted. He kept lions and tigers in his luxury mansion in Maryland. Tyson once said that he had squandered half a billion US dollars in his life. The extravagant lifestyle, wrong friends, bad decisions – all of this led to financial bankruptcy in 2003. Tyson revealed that he spent the last million in his account on rehab for his alcohol and drug addiction. It’s somehow typical of Tyson that he recovered financially by investing in a cannabis products company.
Because of his attack of weakness on a plane and the consequences of a stomach ulcer, the fight originally planned for July had to be postponed until the fall. According to media reports, Tyson must undergo a final health check 24 hours before the fight. If there are any doubts, this could lead to a short-term cancellation. Or the event will officially be downgraded to a show fight.
“I’m teaching Mike Tyson how to box”
Some special rules already apply, which are primarily intended to protect Tyson’s health. Boxing only takes place over eight rounds instead of twelve, each of which is only two minutes long. Tyson diligently posts pictures and videos of himself training on his social media channels. The body is well trained, the punches are powerful, the movements are smooth. At his side is again trainer Rafael Cordeiro, who had already looked after him in the show fight against Roy Jones Junior in 2020.
And what makes Jake Paul so interesting for Netflix as a Tyson opponent? His follower numbers. He is followed by 27 million fans on Instagram and 20.8 million on YouTube. The American, whose birth Tyson already had twelve professional years under his belt, began his career on social media as an influencer and has only been in the ring since 2020. He didn’t make much of an impression in his ten fights. “I’ll be the new face of boxing,” Paul said: “I’ll teach Mike Tyson how to box.”
Tyson might just smile wearily at such presumptuous statements. The man has experienced everything in boxing. Becoming the youngest heavyweight world champion in history as a 20-year-old. The golden years as a champion. The humiliation after defeats like in 1990 against the blatant outsider Buster Douglas or failures like in the “Bite Fight” in 1997 against Evander Holyfield. And also the deep fall as an addict and criminal.
But Mike Tyson always got back up. “In boxing they say: A moving target is hard to hit. And that also applies to life,” he said in the Netflix documentary.
ePaper
Mike Tyson’s impending return to the boxing ring for a match against influencer Jake Paul is drawing significant attention, reflecting not only the legacy of the former heavyweight champion but also the intersection of traditional sports and modern entertainment. In the Netflix documentary leading up to the highly anticipated fight, Tyson expressed a willingness to face the challenges head-on, stating, “But if I do it badly, I don’t want to die in a hospital bed. I want to die in the ring.” This admission showcases his unwavering dedication to the sport, emphasizing the intensity and drama surrounding this matchup, which is more a spectacle than a serious athletic competition.
The event, scheduled for Saturday night at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, is expected to attract a massive audience, with Paul’s promoter, Nakisa Bidarian, predicting it could become “the most watched boxing event in modern boxing history.” In an arena capable of hosting 80,000 fans, Tyson’s return is not just about the fight itself but also about the financial incentives involved, with estimates suggesting he could earn between 50 to 100 million euros for this bout.
Tyson’s journey through the world of boxing has been tumultuous, marked by personal struggles, financial bankruptcy, and a transformation into a businessman through investments in cannabis products. His extravagant lifestyle and the consequences of poor decisions led to significant financial losses; however, he has made a remarkable recovery. Despite these ups and downs, Tyson’s dedication to fitness and the sport remains evident, as he prepares for this unique challenge against a significantly younger opponent.
Jake Paul, with millions of followers on various social media platforms, represents a new generation of fighters who blur the lines between traditional boxing and entertainment. He has portrayed himself as a transformative figure in the sport, claiming, “I’ll teach Mike Tyson how to box,” which may prompt a bemused reaction from Tyson, given his extensive experience and tumultuous history in the ring. From becoming the youngest heavyweight champion to facing significant defeats, Tyson’s career encapsulates the highs and lows of boxing.
As the countdown to the match progresses, both fighters are aware of what’s at stake: for Tyson, it’s about legacy and defiance against age; for Paul, it’s an opportunity to solidify his position in the boxing world and capitalize on Tyson’s fame. With special rules in place aimed at protecting Tyson’s health, such as shorter rounds, the fight promises to be both a nostalgic homage to Tyson’s storied career and a modern showcase of celebrity crossover appeal in sports.
