The tension was palpable as Mike Tyson, 58, faced the press ahead of his highly anticipated bout against Jake Paul, the 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer. Held at a concert venue near AT&T Stadium in Dallas, the press conference showcased contrasting personas, with Tyson giving minimal responses while Paul embraced the spotlight.
A Long-Awaited Clash
Originally set for July 20, the fight was postponed after Tyson suffered a stomach ulcer that required medical attention. The heavyweight legend later revealed he had lost 26 pounds during his recovery. Despite health concerns, Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, confirmed Tyson passed all medical checks required for a sanctioned professional fight in Texas.
Texas granted approval for an eight-round fight featuring two-minute rounds and heavier gloves, aiming to prioritize safety. While other states declined to sanction the bout, this event will go forward under strict regulations.
True to his nickname, “Iron Mike”, Tyson was unshaken during the press event, responding with calm but firm statements. When asked twice about the possibility of losing, Tyson grew visibly annoyed, declaring, “I am not going to lose. Did you hear what I said?” His conviction is rooted in a career record of 50 wins, 44 by knockout, prior to retiring 19 years ago.
Paul, known for his antics, attempted to unnerve Tyson by donning a “diamond-spiked ear cover”, a cheeky reference to Tyson’s infamous 1997 ear-biting incident with Evander Holyfield. Tyson, however, remained unfazed. Paul also commented, “I fear no man, so I want him to be that old savage Mike”, highlighting his confidence ahead of the bout.
Paul enters the fight with a record of 10 wins and one loss, having primarily faced MMA fighters and journeymen boxers. Despite the stark difference in experience, the social media star’s confidence is evident.
A Historic First for Netflix
This fight marks a groundbreaking moment in sports entertainment as Netflix streams its first-ever combat sports event. With over 280 million subscribers worldwide, the streaming giant offers the bout at no additional cost, ensuring global accessibility and massive viewership potential.