Jake Paul and Mike Tyson Face-Off at Fanatics Fest
Jake Paul and Mike Tyson met up again on August 18 at Fanatics Fest NYC.
Their much-awaited fight is now set for November 15, 2024, streaming live on Netflix from Texas. Tyson had to stop training earlier in the year because of a health issue but has recently returned to prepare for the big day.
“I’m very prepared [to knock out Jake Paul],” Tyson said. “I had a small adversity. I got sick, but I feel good. … I’m just ready. I’m going to do my talk, and I’m going to talk my shit, but I’m ready to fight.”
This fight is the biggest for Jake Paul so far. He has already won three matches this year, knocking out Andre August, Ryan Bourland, and Mike Perry. Now, he’s ready to face one of boxing’s legends.
Fans are super excited about this match. It’s going to be epic!
“This is taking the chance to fight somebody as vicious as Mike can be,” Paul said. “You got to risk it for the biscuit. That’s the name of the game. I’m here to make history. I’m here for a challenge. I’m here to fight one of the most dangerous men in all of boxing. No one that ever did anything great got there with ease or by an easy, non-bumpy road. I’m here to challenge myself. He’s vicious. He’s a killer. I know all of these things. He has one-punch knockout power. He’s the greatest heavyweight of all time. But I will prove […] all the haters wrong.”
Nakisa Bidarian from Most Valuable Promotions praised everyone involved for making this event happen and ensuring both fighters have enough time to train. She believes this fight will be remembered for generations.
On May 31, MVP postponed the fight to give Tyson more time to train. He assured fans that he would be back in shape soon. “My body is in better overall shape than it has been since the 1990s, and I will be back to my full training schedule soon. Jake Paul, this may have bought you some time, but in the end you will still be knocked out and out of boxing for good. I appreciate everyone’s patience and can’t wait to deliver an unforgettable performance later this year.”
Paul was also supportive of the delay, saying he wants Tyson at his best when they fight. “I fully support postponing the event so Mike Tyson has no excuses come fight night,” Paul told Netflix then. “My fans know I don’t want to face Iron Mike at anything but his best, but let there be no mistake — when he steps into the ring with me, I will be ready to claim my W with a sensational finish. Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson will be one for the ages, and I promise to bring my best for this once-in-a-lifetime matchup.”
Details About the Fight
Netflix and MVP are bringing fans a huge event featuring Jake Paul against Mike Tyson. The co-main event will feature Katie Taylor facing Amanda Serrano.
Paul and Tyson last met on May 13 at the Apollo Theater to discuss their upcoming fight. “Mike wanted this to be a pro fight,” Paul said during the press conference. “He wants the war. I respect him for stepping up and try to put an end to me.”
Tyson had kind words for Paul but made it clear the fight would be tough. “I really like Jake a lot,” Tyson told the crowd, “But once he’s in the ring he has to fight like his life depends on it — because it will.”
Serrano, who has to gain weight to fight Taylor again, said, “Greatness requires sacrifice. I’m sacrificing my body to go up three divisions. My power is going to come with me.” Taylor, however, does not plan to continue their rivalry after this fight. “I go into every fight planning to win,” Taylor said when asked if she was planning to put the rivalry to bed. “I beat her the first time, and I plan on beating her [a] second time. [A] trilogy is not on my mind right now.”
Is the Fight Sanctioned?
Despite rumors, the Paul vs. Tyson fight will be an official professional match, approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations. It will have eight two-minute rounds with 14-ounce gloves and no headgear.
“Mike Tyson and Jake Paul signed on to fight each other with the desire to do so in a sanctioned professional fight that would have a definitive outcome,” MVP’s Bidarian told Netflix.
Who Else Is Fighting?
The undercard includes Neeraj Goyat versus Whindersson Nunes, Julio César Chávez Jr. versus Darren Till, and Ashton Sylve versus Floyd Schofield.
Tyson’s Last Fight
Tyson’s last official match was in 2005 against Kevin McBride, where he lost. His most recent exhibition fight was in 2021 against Evander Holyfield, which ended in a draw. Despite Tyson’s long career, he thinks Paul has grown a lot as a boxer. “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,” Tyson says.
Paul knows he’s moving up fast. “It’s crazy to think that in my second pro fight, I went viral for knocking out Nate Robinson on Mike Tyson’s undercard,” Paul told Netflix. “Now, less than four years later, I’m stepping up to face Tyson myself to see if I have what it takes to beat one of boxing’s most notorious fighters and biggest icons.”
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson will be Netflix’s third live sports event, following The Netflix Cup and The Netflix Slam.