Netflix, the ever-audacious and brazen streaming giant, is entering the realm of combat sports the only way that it knows how: streaming a mega fight where others hide bouts behind paywalls. But it’s not just any match. Rather, the upcoming fight will be between the former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and YouTube sensation Jake Paul.
This bout, scheduled for July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, represents a huge step into live sports broadcasting for Netflix.
Mike Tyson, the indomitable force of the boxing world in the late 20th century, will step inside the ring at the age of 58 against 27-year-old Jake Paul, a social media influencer turned professional boxer. This generational clash is the peak example of the broader shifts within boxing in recent years, where legacy and lineage meet the new age of celebrity and spectacle. Tyson, revered as one of the most fearsome heavyweight boxers, returns to the spotlight after an exhibition bout in 2020, while Paul, with a professional record of 9-1, continues to defy expectations by taking formidable opponents.
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 pic.twitter.com/ULXVeCYeH6
— Netflix (@netflix) March 7, 2024
Following the streaming service’s successful ventures into live sporting events with the Netflix Cup and the Netflix Slam, this event marks Netflix’s first formal foray into combat sports.
By broadcasting the Tyson-Paul fight, Netflix is expanding its library while capitalizing on the immense drawing power of both athletes. The match, anticipated to be among the most-watched boxing events in modern history, proves Netflix’s ambition to become a dominant player in live sports entertainment.
Unlike traditional pay-per-view models, the fight will be available to all subscribers on Netflix, potentially setting a new standard for access to high-profile boxing events.
While the match between Tyson and Paul is a spectacle that will attract audiences from across the globe, it hasn’t been without its fair share of critics. The age difference and the blending of entertainment with competitive sports have sparked debates about the integrity of boxing. Yet, both athletes have expressed enthusiasm for the bout. Tyson is looking forward to the challenge and Paul seeing it as a step closer to his goal of winning a world title.
The boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul is more than just a fight; it’s now a cultural event that blends sports and entertainment with digital innovation.
Earlier this year, Netflix signed a lucrative deal with WWE to make it the exclusive home of Monday Night RAW starting next year.
