In a stunning move, that already has the sports world talking, Netflix, in collaboration with Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), has announced a blockbuster live sports event that will mark its first foray into the boxing world. The streaming giant will play host to a mega-matchup featuring anti-hero Jake “El Gallo” Paul and the legendary Mike Tyson. This historic bout is scheduled to stream live globally, exclusively on Netflix, from the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, July 20, 2024.
Jake Paul, known as “The Problem Child,” boasts a record of 9-1, with 6 KOs, making this fight his most anticipated to date. Coming off two back-to-back sensational knockouts against professional boxers and Golden Glove winners, Paul is on a quest to cement his position as a formidable force in the boxing world. His quest for respect has been shocking to witness, but for many observers, “The Baddest Man On The Planet” might be biting off more than Jake can chew (pun intended).
On facing Tyson, Paul expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It’s crazy to think that in my second pro fight, I went viral for knocking out Nate Robinson on Mike Tyson’s undercard. Now, less than four years later, I’m stepping up to face Tyson myself.” He further emphasized the event’s significance, highlighting it as “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.”
Mike Tyson, the legendary former undisputed world heavyweight champion, is one of boxing’s most celebrated figures. With a record of 50-6, including an unbelievable 44 KOs, Tyson is recognized for his explosive power and ferocious fighting style, which led to an impressive run of 37 consecutive victories. Reflecting on the upcoming bout, Iron Mike shared his anticipation for the match, stating, “I’m very much looking forward to stepping into the ring with Jake Paul at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.”
This partnership between Netflix and MVP is not just a milestone for the participants but also represents a strategic decision to ensure the event’s global reach. Nakisa Bidarian, the founder of MVP, commented on the collaboration, saying, “Partnering with Netflix for this deal presents an unparalleled opportunity to bring Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson to the world on an unprecedented scale.”
Netflix’s entry into live sports streaming began with The Netflix Cup and The Netflix Slam and will continue with WWE Raw starting in January of 2025. Gabe Spitzer, Vice President, Nonfiction Sports at Netflix, expressed his excitement about the event, stating, “Mike Tyson is one of the biggest icons in boxing history and Jake Paul is one of the biggest disruptors in boxing history. Saturday, July 20 will be pure drama in the ring in Texas.”
As Netflix expands its sports entertainment portfolio, which already includes hits like “Untold,” “Formula 1: Drive To Survive,” and “Full Swing,” the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson event promises to be a game-changer. This live broadcast not only bridges six generations of sports fans but also sets a new precedent for how boxing events are consumed worldwide.