Is it possible that a former YouTuber can take down the baddest man on the planet?
Jake Paul (10-1), whose résumé includes YouTube celebrity, marketer and prizefighter, will face former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson (50-6) in a sanctioned eight-round bout. It’s a marketing event for the ages, as Paul is the young up-and-comer, who started fighting professionally in January 2020, building his record against former UFC fighters and fellow YouTubers.
Tyson’s legacy is set, but he’s also 58 years old, so a win is far from certain. Paul also has a longer reach and stands three inches taller than Tyson.
The fight will be a bit different than a typical heavyweight bout. Rounds will last just two minutes instead of the traditional three. And both fighters will wear 14-ounce gloves instead of the traditional 10-ounce ones.
It’s expected to be the biggest live event in live streaming history for host network Netflix. Here’s all you need to know about how to catch the action.
When are Jake Paul and Mike Tyson fighting?
Paul and Tyson will square off on Friday, Nov. 15.
What time does the Tyson vs. Paul fight begin?
The card gets underway at 8:00 p.m. ET. There’s an undercard with six additional fights, however (only three of which will air on Netflix), so there’s no telling exactly when Paul and Tyson will take to the ring.
Why is this fight happening?
Publicity and cash. Paul is an expert at snagging the media’s attention, so challenging someone who has a reputation like Tyson is an easy way to steal the spotlight. Celebrity boxing has also become more popular in the past 20 years or so, guaranteeing an audience. Plus, there’s a $40 million purse up for grabs—and that’s appealing to both boxers. “I’m here to make $40m and knock out a legend,” Paul said at a news conference in August.
For Tyson, it’s a chance to cement his legacy at an age where most boxers are long past their prime.
Can I watch Tyson vs. Paul fight for free?
Not unless you have a friend who subscribes to Netflix and they invite you over. The fight will not be broadcast on traditional TV or other streaming services.
Can I stream the Paul vs. Tyson fight live online if I don’t have a cable subscription?
Yes, but you only have one option.
Netflix
The streaming king is the exclusive home of Paul vs. Tyson. There’s no free trial, but you can cancel at any time. Plans start at $6.99 per month for the ad-supported option and $15.49 for ad-free.
When is the last time Mike Tyson fought?
Tyson hasn’t fought in an official bout since 2005, when he was downed in the sixth round by a TKO from Kevin McBride. He hasn’t been in the ring since Nov. 28, 2020, when he met Roy Jones Jr. in an eight-round exhibition. That fight was declared a draw.
Wasn’t the Paul vs. Tyson fight supposed to happen months ago?
It was! Paul and Tyson were originally set to meet on July 20, but Tyson had to cancel after he became ill. His team later cited an “ulcer problem” that landed him in the hospital.
What is the undercard for Paul vs. Tyson?
- Katie Taylor (23-1) vs. Amanda Serrano (47-2-1); WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF junior welterweight titles
- Mario Barrios (29-2) vs. Abel Ramos (28-6-2); WBC welterweight title
- Neeraj Goyat (18-4-2) vs. Whindersson Nunes (debut)
Preliminary fights (will stream on Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix Sports’ YouTube channels)
- Shadasia Green (14-1) vs. Melinda Watpool (7-0); WBO super middleweight title
- Lucas Bahdi (17-0) vs. Armando Casamonica (14-0)
- Bruce Carrington (13-0) vs. Dana Coolwell (13-2)