Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson is set to be a historic milestone in the world of combat sports. Whilst the obvious matchup itself has been a topic of great debate, a major talking point is surrounding the fight being on Netflix. For the first time ever, Netflix will be dealing with the world of live combat sports.
Previously, Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix announced their first-ever partnership. Collaborating for a heavyweight boxing mega-event headlined by Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson, which will stream live globally, exclusively on Netflix on Saturday, July 20, 2024. Notably, the event is set to be live out of the 80,000-seat capacity AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, which is home to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.
It’s JAKE PAUL vs. MIKE TYSON — yes, really! — in a LIVE BOXING event at AT&T Stadium you won’t want to miss. Airing live on Netflix Saturday, July 20 #PaulTyson pic.twitter.com/ULXVeCYeH6
— Netflix (@netflix) March 7, 2024
Coming into this one, the 27-year-old Jake Paul (9-1, 6 KOs) will fight the 57-year-old Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs). Although there has been a lot of controversy regarding the fight for obvious reasons, it will seemingly be going ahead. Despite the obvious talking point here, a major discussion has also been about the involvement of Netflix and potentially the start of something incredible down the line.
Is Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson on Netflix the future of combat sports?
Without beating around the bush, the most obvious problem with Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson is the absurd 30-year age difference between the two fighters, leading many to label the fight an absolute disgrace. Whilst “El Gallo” has made it a habit to prey on retired, old mixed martial artists and journeyman boxers, his latest announcement has resulted in a public outcry, and rightfully so.
Naturally, “The Baddest Man on the Planet”, is by all means a senior citizen now. Whilst his fight against Roy Jones Jr. was already very controversial four years ago, this is just a new level altogether. Putting this ordeal aside for a second, it has to be said, that this fight is what will make the Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions deal all the more worthwhile.
Whilst Showtime and Disney+ are examples of streaming companies that have delved into live sports, Netflix is arguably the biggest among them and has finally made its way into it as well. One of the most used OTT platforms in the world with an unrivaled reach of over 260 million paid memberships in over 190 countries, it will ensure that the event is by all means a historic one.
Dana White weighs in on the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight
All things considered, we could soon see Netflix in conversations to deliver more boxing events in the future. Considering that Jake Paul falls the under influencer boxing quota, we could see mega stars like Tyson Fury, and Canelo Alvarez have a change of heart from DAZN Boxing. Naturally, the success of this upcoming event will determine how things progress in this particular field.
Owing to the success of this upcoming event, the streaming company could branch out into other combat sports as well. With that said, following the conclusion of UFC 299 this past weekend, UFC President Dana White also shared his thoughts on the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight and subsequently, the Netflix partnership:
“I think that Netflix should have gotten into live sports years ago. I think they’re late to the game but they are a force. When you look at the amount of homes that they’re in, worldwide…all these massive streaming companies, as they start to get bigger and bigger, they have to be involved in live sports”.
Further, White also hinted that Netflix could be a potential candidate for the UFC’s TV deal once their current one runs its course. All things considered, many will have controversial opinions regarding the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson Fight. However, the occasion and the unprecedented scale that it will be broadcasted on, are bound to make history. All in all, it could mark the beginning of a new era for combat sports.