Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul: Boxing Meets Controversy
Ah, the sweet science of boxing—where legends are made, and sometimes, just sometimes, washed-up internet celebrities throw punches with retired icons. This weekend, we have a juicy spectacle on hand: a no-holds-barred showdown between the notorious Jake Paul, the self-styled “influencer” and YouTube sensation, and the once-great boxing champion, Mike Tyson. Who knew that the next sporting event at AT&T Stadium in Arlington would be a wrestling match between relevance and irrelevance, wrapped in a pair of boxing gloves?
What Time?
Mark your calendars, folks! The event kicks off at our very civilized hour of 2 o’clock in the morning (that’s right!). This is a prime time for both dedicated boxing fans and those who just enjoy watching chaos unfold in the ring. For our French friends, you might want to grab a double espresso, because the main event is slated to start at 4:30 a.m. on the night of November 15 to 16. Good luck with that—don’t say I didn’t warn you!
On Which Channel?
Forget trying to find this clash on Canal +, RMC Sport, or DAZN! This time around, it’s Netflix that’s cashing in—yes, you heard it right. The platform famous for its binge-worthy series is now your go-to destination for watching two men punch each other’s lights out. A subscription with ads will set you back only €5.99 a month. Now, who needs blockbuster romances when you can follow this heavyweight circus?
What Fights?
Now let’s get down to the nitty-gritty—the fights! Jake Paul, our infamous provocateur and a man adept at stirring controversy, has managed to notch up eleven professional fights, with a glittering record of ten victories. Mind you, a few of these wins came against names you’d assume were retired, possibly on a beach somewhere, sipping piña coladas. But hey, he’s serious about this boxing gig. But with an age gap of over 30 years, one must wonder: can Jake Paul truly compete against the legendary Mike Tyson?
Iron Mike isn’t pulling any punches (pun intended). He claimed, “If I fight at 10% of who I was, Jake Paul can’t compete.” Fair warning indeed, but let’s not forget that many boxing aficionados have witnessed Tyson’s glory days now flickering like the last embers of a dying fire. This is a man who retired after three defeats in four fights, and who only made headlines again with his exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020. Remember—the last time he was in the ring, it was with another legend, but time has a way of softening even the fiercest of competitors.
Now, while there are many questions surrounding the sporting integrity of this “clash,” it remains an impressive lineup of fights. Particularly, don’t sleep on the Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano rematch, which promises to be nothing less than epic. Their first fight was hailed as one of the finest in women’s boxing history, and this sequel is sure to raise the stakes even higher. The complete card looks like this:
- Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul
- Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano
- Mario Barrios vs Abel Ramos
- Neeraj Goyat vs Whindersson Nunes
- Shadasia Green vs Melinda Watpool
- Lucas Bahdi vs Armando Casamonica
- Bruce Carrington vs Dana Coolwell
So whether you’re a seasoned boxing fan or just someone who enjoys the absolute trainwreck that is modern celebrity boxing, this weekend promises to be a whirlwind of entertainment. Just don’t expect to see any technical boxing mastery—prepare for drama, and a whole lot of “did that just happen?” moments!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to brew some coffee to survive this early morning escapade.
A controversial internet personality to say the least facing a 58-year-old retired boxer. The poster for the boxing event scheduled for this weekend could have gone completely unnoticed.
Except that this internet personality is named Jake Paul, and the retired boxer Mike Tyson. Here’s what you need to know about this unusual show to say the least.
WHAT TIME?
The event will be held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, the usual home of the Dallas Cowboys American football team. French spectators will therefore have to stay alert to watch the fights live. They will start at 2 o’clockon the night of Friday November 15 to Saturday November 16. Paul-Tyson clash set to happen around 4:30 a.m..
ON WHICH CHANNEL?
No Canal +, RMC Sport or DAZN: the event marks a historic first since it will be broadcast, internationally as in France, live sur Netflix. Subscription to the platform starts, in a version including advertising, at €5.99 per month.
WHAT FIGHTS?
Viewed with a suspicious, if not frankly critical, eye by boxing fans, the “main event” of the event is no less attractive for the general public.
Jake Paulpresented as an influencer whose success was matched only by his ability to arouse controversy (between conspiratorial remarks during the pandemic and accusations of sexual assault, which he denies), still has eleven professional fights including ten victories.
Certainly, his adversaries were essentially second knives or old MMA glories on the decline (Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva, Nate Diaz…), but Jake Paul, 27, seems to be taking his boxing career started in 2020 seriously.
More than 30 years separate him from his adversary, Mike Tyson (58 ans). « If I fight at 10% of who I was, Jake Paul can’t compete “, nevertheless declared Iron Mike at the end of October. Looking back at the level he reached during his “prime”, we will be careful not to blame him. Except that these peaks date back to the 80s and 90s.
Mike Tyson hung up his gloves in 2005 after three defeats in four fights, only returning to the ring for an exhibition poster against another “former”, Roy Jones Jr., in 2020. A fight against Logan Paul, Jake’s brother, was announced for 2022 and canceled due to Mike Tyson’s back problems. Friday’s, initially scheduled for July, had also been postponed for health reasons, and observers are concerned about his ability to perform against an opponent 30 years his junior.
If the sporting interest of the “clash” therefore raises questions, it will in any case have the merit of highlighting many other boxers, the event card being of good quality. We particularly think of the revenge between Katie Taylor et Amanda Serrano for the IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO super-lightweight titles. Their first opposition, in April 2022, was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and important fights in the history of women’s boxing.
The complete map:
- Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul
- Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano
- Mario Barrios vs Abel Ramos
- Neeraj Goyat vs Whindersson Nunes
- Shadasia Green vs Melinda Watpool
- Lucas Bahdi vs Armando Casamonica
- Bruce Carrington vs Dana Coolwell.
How does the undercard featuring Taylor vs. Serrano impact the perception of the main event?
**Interview with Boxing Analyst Sarah Thompson on the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul Showdown**
**Editor**: Welcome, Sarah! Thanks for joining us today to discuss the upcoming fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. This matchup has sparked quite a bit of controversy. What’s your take on this unlikely clash?
**Sarah Thompson**: Thanks for having me! It’s definitely one of the most bizarre matchups we’ve seen in boxing in recent years. On one hand, you have Jake Paul, who has made a name for himself in the ring but also as a polarizing internet figure. And then there’s Mike Tyson, a legend of the sport, albeit one who’s well past his prime. It raises a lot of questions about credibility in boxing.
**Editor**: Indeed. With Tyson’s extensive history and Paul’s relatively new entrance into boxing, do you think experience will play a significant role in this fight?
**Sarah Thompson**: Experience is crucial, especially in boxing. Tyson’s legacy as a former heavyweight champion is unparalleled, and his power, even at 58, shouldn’t be underestimated. He’s indicated that even at 10% of his former self, he believes he won’t struggle against Paul. However, we also have to consider that Paul has trained intensively, and he’s shown he can compete in the ring against other fighters, albeit not at Tyson’s level. It’ll be interesting to see how these factors play out.
**Editor**: The fight is scheduled for 4:30 a.m. on November 16. Do you think the timing will affect viewership and the fight atmosphere in general?
**Sarah Thompson**: Absolutely! The timing is unique and may draw a more diverse audience—those who want to catch the spectacle live despite the early hour. It might even lead to a bit of a party atmosphere where fans are gathering late at night to watch. However, it could also deter some hardcore boxing fans who may be less inclined to wake up for this kind of event.
**Editor**: The fight will be broadcast on Netflix, a first for a major boxing event. What are your thoughts on this departure from traditional sports broadcasting?
**Sarah Thompson**: It’s a significant shift! Netflix looking to enter the live sports streaming space might change the landscape of how we consume sports content. It opens up boxing to a broader audience who may not typically tune in to traditional sports channels. Marketing this fight through a streaming platform like Netflix also taps into the younger demographic that Jake Paul attracts.
**Editor**: With the many miscellaneous fights on the card, particularly the rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, do you think this event can still take itself seriously amidst the spectacle of Tyson vs. Paul?
**Sarah Thompson**: That’s the hope! While the main event is a circus in itself, we can’t overlook the significance of the undercard. Taylor vs. Serrano, for example, is a highly anticipated rematch that promises to showcase real skill and merit. This could serve to balance out the more controversial aspect of the main event, allowing boxing fans who tune in for the chaos to also appreciate legitimate boxing talent.
**Editor**: One last question: What’s your advice for viewers who are planning to watch this event?
**Sarah Thompson**: I would say, keep your expectations in check! View it as a form of entertainment rather than a traditional boxing match. Be prepared for drama, and expect the unexpected. Also, maybe have some snacks ready for those early morning hours—you might need them!
**Editor**: Great advice, Sarah! Thanks for your insight on this peculiar sporting spectacle. We can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!
**Sarah Thompson**: Thank you! It’s going to be a wild ride!
