The highly anticipated and unconventional matchup between boxing legend Mike Tyson and social media star Jake Paul has captured global attention, starting with a dramatic slap heard ’round the world. On Thursday night, Tyson delivered a swift open-palmed slap to Paul’s left cheek during the weigh-in, setting the stage for a unique spectacle that has left many fans excited, puzzled, and skeptical.
The Unexpected Pairing: Tyson vs. Paul
The upcoming clash, simply dubbed “Tyson vs. Paul,” features two fighters from vastly different worlds. Taking place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, this bizarre bout will see the 58-year-old Tyson return to the ring as a professional boxer for the first time in almost 20 years. He will be facing Jake Paul, a 27-year-old known more for his online antics than his time in the squared circle. The event is set to be streamed live to Netflix’s 280 million global subscribers, with a live audience of approximately 70,000 expected to fill the stadium.
The slap Tyson delivered during the weigh-in was met with a frenzy on social media, sparking debates about the legitimacy of the fight. However, when the fighters step into the ring, there will be no slapping—only fists and gloves in a contest that blurs the line between entertainment and sport.
A Comeback and a Challenge
For Tyson, this fight marks a return to the professional boxing scene after a nearly two-decade hiatus. He last fought in 2005, ending his career with a sixth-round knockout defeat against Kevin McBride. Tyson boasts an impressive career record of 50 wins and six losses, with a staggering 88 percent of his victories coming by way of knockout. His dominance in the sport was epitomized during his reign as the undisputed world heavyweight champion from 1987 to 1990, and he remains the youngest heavyweight champion in history, having claimed the title at the age of 20 against Trevor Berbick.
Jake Paul, on the other hand, is a relative newcomer to the sport of boxing, but he has made waves with his rapid rise and showmanship. Initially known as a Disney Channel actor and YouTuber, Paul transitioned into boxing and has since achieved a 10-1 record. His most recent fight ended in a sixth-round technical knockout against Mike Perry in July of this year. While Paul has yet to secure a professional title, he has gained a significant following and proven himself as a formidable, if unconventional, competitor in the ring.
A Global Event: How to Watch in South Africa
The bout between Tyson and Paul will be accessible exclusively via Netflix, which will be streaming the event live worldwide. South African fans eager to witness this unusual pairing will need to tune in early, as the fight is scheduled for 20:00 Eastern Time (ET) on 15th November. Due to the time difference, local viewers will have to wake up at 3:00 South African Standard Time (SAST) on Saturday morning to catch the action live.
Netflix is expected to prominently feature the livestream, making it easy for viewers to find the event as soon as they open the app at the scheduled time.
More Show Than Sport?
While the fight has generated considerable buzz, it is clear that the spectacle is driven more by entertainment value than by athletic merit. Tyson, who officially retired from the sport in 2005, is stepping back into the ring at an age when most athletes are well past their prime. In contrast, Paul is in his athletic peak but lacks the experience and pedigree of a seasoned professional boxer.
Tyson’s dominance in his prime is undisputed. His explosive power and aggressive style left an indelible mark on the sport, with his greatest achievements coming during his reign as heavyweight champion. Despite being in his late fifties, the aura of Tyson’s past successes continues to captivate audiences, even as his physical capabilities may have waned.
Paul, conversely, brings youth and the unpredictable energy of a social media personality who has carved out an unlikely niche in the boxing world. His career, though short, has been filled with drama and controversy, a fact that has only increased public interest. The fight promises to be less about skill and rankings and more about the spectacle and the personalities involved.
A Slap That Set the Tone
The drama surrounding the weigh-in only added to the hype. During an interview with Ariel Helwani, Tyson dismissed further trash talk, declaring:
“Talking’s over.”
This is why Mike Tyson slapped Jake Paul yesterday. 👇 pic.twitter.com/E8H51hLbXj
— Vince Langman (@LangmanVince) November 15, 2024
He then slapped Paul, a moment that quickly went viral and became a focal point for discussion leading up to the fight.
Paul, not one to shy away from confrontation, downplayed the impact of the slap, stating:
“I did not even feel it. I am f%cking him up, he hits like a bitch. It is personal now. He must die.”
The intense exchange has raised the stakes, turning what was already a peculiar event into a highly charged encounter.
