More than 300 million global viewers are tipped to tune into Netflix’s debut into live sports broadcasting on Saturday afternoon when boxing legend Mike Tyson returns to the ring to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a highly anticipated bout. Here’s everything you need to know.
Key Details
- The fight streams live on Netflix at 12 p.m. AEDT on Saturday, November 16.
- Mike Tyson returns to professional boxing after 19 years. It’s the largest age-gap fight in boxing history, with Tyson at 58 and Paul at 27.
- Paul holds a 10-1 boxing record with seven knockouts.
- This fight marks Netflix’s first venture into live sports streaming.
- Paul is expected to take home approximately US$40 million, while Tyson is expected to make around US$20 million.
- Tickets for the fight range from US$150 to over US$60,000 for ringside seats.
- The main event features eight two-minute rounds with both fighters wearing 14-ounce gloves.
But why Netflix?
This isn’t pay-per-view, and that’s the point. By streaming it exclusively, Netflix is testing its ability to pull global viewers without the traditional boxing model. But Netflix Vice President Brandon Riegg, who admits the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight is “not for everyone”, says only time will tell if the streaming giant’s foray into live sports broadcasting will pay off.
‘Look, it’s your choice. At Netflix we have a lot of things, not everything we have appeals to everybody. You can decide on your own terms, you can watch it or not, that’s all fine and good,” Riegg told the Metro.
“This is a big swing for us. How many people are going to watch it and is it going to justify the economics? We’re feeling it out so we want a healthy number but it’s not going to be the be all and end all.”
Who is Mike Tyson?
Mike Tyson: At 58, the man known as “Iron Mike” boasts a professional record of 50 wins (44 by knockout) and 6 losses. He became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at just 20 years old.
However, Tyson’s life outside the ring has been as eventful as his career in it. Financial struggles, legal troubles, and a high-profile conviction saw him face personal and professional lows. Despite earning over $400 million in fight purses during his career, Tyson filed for bankruptcy in 2003, citing debts and financial mismanagement.
In recent years, Tyson has staged a remarkable comeback—not in the ring, but in business. He launched Tyson 2.0, a cannabis brand that generated $150 million in revenue in 2023.
This fight against Jake Paul marks Tyson’s first professionally sanctioned bout since 2005.
Related
Who is Jake Paul?
Jake Paul is no stranger to the spotlight—or to controversy. The 27-year-old built his empire on unpredictability, starting as a Vine sensation before pivoting to YouTube, where his chaotic mix of pranks, stunts, and diss tracks amassed millions of devoted followers.
With over 20 million subscribers, his digital fame catapulted him into mainstream entertainment – and a spot on Forbes’ Top Creators list for 2024.
But Paul’s real reinvention came in 2020, when he swapped his camera for gloves, diving headfirst into professional boxing. Dismissed as a gimmick by critics, Paul has set out to prove his fighting career is not just for views, carving out a 10-1 record with seven knockouts.
He’s gone toe-to-toe with seasoned athletes like Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley, clinching some wins few expected from a YouTuber-turned-boxer.
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Big Number
$60 million: The estimated prize money for Saturday’s fight.
How to watch Mike Tyson v Jake Paul fight in Australia
The Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight will stream live on Netflix, making it the platform’s first-ever live sports broadcast. Here’s how Australian viewers can tune in:
- Preliminary Card Start Time: 12 p.m. AEDT on Saturday, November 16.
- Main Event Start Time: Expected at approximately 2 p.m. AEDT.
What are the fight rules?
The fight consists of eight two-minute rounds with 14-ounce gloves, aiming to balance safety with spectacle.
What are the ticket prices?
Tickets for the fight range from $150 for upper-level seating to over $60,000 for premium ringside seats on the secondary market.
What’s included in the $2 million VIP package?
The MVP Owner’s Experience includes ringside apron seats, access to the locker rooms, signed gloves, and luxury hotel accommodations.
What’s on the undercard?
The undercard features a rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano for Taylor’s lightweight titles. Australian Dana Coolwell will open the night against Bruce Carrington in a featherweight bout.
Who else is fighting?
Preliminary Card:
- Featherweight Bout: Bruce Carrington Jr. vs. Dana Coolwell
- Lightweight Bout: Lucas Bahdi vs. Corey Marksman
- Super Middleweight Title Bout: Shadasia Green vs. Melinda Watpool
Main Card:
- Middleweight Bout: Neeraj Goyat vs. Whindersson Nunes
- WBC Welterweight Title Bout: Mario Barrios vs. Abel Ramos
- Undisputed Super Lightweight Title Bout: Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano
- Heavyweight Main Event: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson
