Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul: Boxing icon takes on YouTube star in historic fight to stream on Netflix

2 weeks ago 3

Boxing legend Mike Tyson is gearing up for one of the most controversial fights of his career when he takes on YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul later this month.

Tyson, 58, once known as the “baddest man on the planet,” is preparing to step into the ring for the first time in 19 years for a professional fight on November 15 (November 16 AEDT) — despite concerns over his age and recent health scares.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson.

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The fight, set for eight two-minute rounds, will be held at the AT&T Stadium in Texas and streamed live on Netflix, marking the first-ever professional boxing event on the platform.

Paul, 27, with a 10-1 record, has been calling for this match for years, and now Tyson believes the time is right.

“This is what I want to do,” Tyson tells 7NEWS.com.au in an Australian exclusive when asked why he is returning to the ring.

“Jake started on my comeback fight with Roy Jones. That was his first appearance, and then he continues to do very good, and he is successful.

“And I decide it’s only right that me and him fight. It’s a no-brainer. After he gains the ability that he has, it’s just a no-brainer. Yeah, now seems like such a good time.”

Mike Tyson and Jake Paul at the press conference in promotion for the upcoming Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson boxing match.

The fight was initially scheduled for July but had to be delayed after Tyson suffered a health scare on a flight in May.

He experienced an ulcer flare-up, which left him temporarily unfit to compete.

But now, with the bout rescheduled, Tyson is in full preparation mode.

“My day is long, it’s all day,” he says.

“In the morning, I’m running, training, exercise, coming to the gym, boxing, sparring, strength and conditioning, weights.

“It’s just an all-day process … we’re close to the fight now, so it’s only two times a day.”

“I go box, then I do strength and conditioning, and that’s it.”

Mike Tyson training for the upcoming Netflix fight.

For a man approaching pension eligibility, Tyson’s rigorous schedule may seem excessive, but for the former heavyweight champion, it’s about reclaiming a sense of purpose and achievement.

“Experience,” he says when asked how he has developed such a calm approach to his preparation.

“It comes with experience. Yeah, for sure.”

While the match-up has drawn criticism, with critics calling it irresponsible due to the significant age and health differences between the fighters, Tyson remains unfazed.

That the fight will be streamed live on Netflix has only added fuel to his fire.

“It adds more stimulation to me,” Tyson says.

“I’m very excited that I’m on Netflix and it’s going to be the biggest event in the history of events at this particular moment. And that’s what moves me. That’s what motivates me to be the biggest star ever.”

The fight also taps into Tyson’s deep-rooted warrior mentality — something he has carried throughout his career.

When asked to elaborate on his remark that he would prefer to die in the ring than in a hospital bed, Tyson doesn’t hold back.

“I don’t want to be sick in the bed. I’d rather die in the ring and give it glory than be sick in the bed and dying,” he says.

“There’s something to that attitude.”

Of course, no Tyson fight would be complete without a nod to his infamous 1997 bout with Evander Holyfield, during which he bit a chunk out of his opponent’s ear.

When asked whether Paul should fear a similar fate, Tyson is coy.

“It’s a possibility — you never know,” he says with a grin.

“We’ll have to see.”

As the fight date draws nearer, fans remain divided on whether this clash should even be happening.

But for Tyson, it’s not about age or physical limits — it appears to be about cementing his legacy in a sport he helped define, and perhaps more importantly, defining a new chapter in the future of boxing.

Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson will stream live exclusively on Netflix on Saturday November 16 at 3PM AEDT.

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