YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul has previously teased a potential fight against ‘the baddest man on the planet’ Tyson and the pair will now meet in the ring on July 20 in Texas
Boxing legend Mike Tyson is making a shock return to the ring to fight social media sensation Jake Paul.
Former undisputed heavyweight world champion Tyson, 57, will face Paul, 27, in a boxing match on July 20 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Paul fought for the second time as a professional boxer when he knocked out NBA star Nate Robinson on the undercard of Tyson’s last fight, an exhibition against Roy Jones Jr. in November 2020.
Tyson shut down any talk of getting back in the ring after the fight but will now return for a one-off showcase against Paul. It’s unclear if the fight will be professionally sanctioned or go ahead as an exhibition bout. The fight will be shown live on Netflix, marking the streaming giant’s first venture into combat sports.
“Whether you’re team Paul or team Tyson, or whether you’re a lifelong boxing fan or watching your first fight, you’re not going to want to miss this event. 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. Time to put Iron Mike to sleep,” Paul said.
Paul was in action last weekend as he knocked out unknown boxer Ryan Bourland in his 10th professional fight. “Within just two and a half years of founding Most Valuable Promotions, we’re about to produce the biggest fight in history, a fight in the biggest NFL stadium in the US, broadcast live, on the biggest streaming platform in the world,” he added.
Tyson has always spoken highly of Paul’s transition from internet fame to boxing but has vowed to become the first man to stop the influencer in the ring. “I’m very much looking forward to stepping into the ring with Jake Paul,” Tyson said. “He’s grown significantly as a boxer over the years.
“It will be a lot of fun to see what the will and ambition of a ‘kid’ can do with the experience and aptitude of a GOAT. It’s a full circle moment that will be beyond thrilling to watch; as I started him on his boxing journey on the undercard of my fight with Roy Jones and now I plan to finish him.”
Tyson officially retired from professional boxing almost 20 years ago with a record of 50-6 (2NC). He still holds the record for the youngest heavyweight world champion in boxing history, as he achieved the remarkable feat as a 20-year-old when he knocked out Trevor Berbick in 1986.
‘Iron Mike’ went on to have a legendary and controversial career, infamously being known for biting a chunk out of Evander Holyfield’s ear during their historic rematch. Tyson lost out on a good chunk of his career after being sentenced to six years in prison, although he was released on parole after three years and won another two world titles upon his return to the ring.
Source: https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/boxing/jake-paul-set-fight-57-32297104