Netflix Enters Boxing Ring; Streamer Sets Live Fight Between Mike Tyson & Jake Paul
07.03.2024 - 14:03
/ deadline.com
Netflix’s move into live sports continues. The streamer is weighing in to the boxing arena with a fight between heavyweight legend Mike Tyson and upstart Jake Paul.
The streamer will air the fight, which takes place at the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday July 20.
It is the company’s latest foray into the live sports field, which launched with golf tournament The Netflix Cup and continued with tennis tournament The Netflix Slam, featuring a match between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, earlier this month.
There have been reports over the last six months that Netflix was eyeing boxing as one of its next routes into sports. Boxing has previously tended to be pay-per-view but there will be no additional cost for the fight on Netflix.
Paul started his boxing career in 2018 with a fight against Deji Olatunji and his professional debut was in 2020 against AnEsonGib. Over his ten professional fights, against the likes of Ryan Bourland, Andre August and Nate Diaz, he has won nine and lost only once, via a split decision against Tommy Fury.
The fight is organized by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), which was set up by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian.
Tyson, meanwhile is the former undisputed world heavyweight champion and one of the most legendary boxers in the world with a 50-6 winning record. His last professional fight was in 2005 against Kevin McBride and he fought Roy Jones Jr. in an exhibition match in 2020.
Tyson has previously spoken highly of Paul and his move into boxing, having previously started his career posting social media videos on Vine and starring in Disney Channel’s Bizaardvark.
“He did more for boxing than some of the champions did,” Tyson said in the Untold: Jake Paul the Problem