The buzz surrounding Mike Tyson’s comeback to the boxing ring to face off against Jake Paul has reached unprecedented levels. With soaring ticket prices and overwhelming bettor interest, the July 20 bout at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas is shaping up to be a monumental event. Fans are eagerly anticipating the clash between the former heavyweight champion Tyson, at 58 years old, and the 27-year-old social media influencer turned boxer Paul.
This highly-anticipated fight will be sanctioned as a professional bout and will consist of 8 rounds, with each round lasting two minutes. While Tyson’s last professional fight dates back to 2005, he engaged in an exhibition match in 2020. The event will feature another thrilling matchup between lightweight world champion Katie Taylor and boxing trailblazer and unified featherweight champion Amanda Serrano. Notably, Taylor and Serrano made history by headlining the first-ever sold-out women’s boxing event at Madison Square Garden.
Most Valuable Promotions, co-owned by Paul, is gearing up for a massive event, with 121,000 fans already signed up for presale access. The company has even introduced a groundbreaking $2 million VIP package for the fight, boasting exclusive perks such as ringside seats, first-row floor seats, a locker room photo op with both Paul and Tyson, signed gloves, and luxury penthouse accommodations. This unique offer demonstrates the magnitude of the event and aims to bring awareness and exposure back to boxing on a grand scale.
For fans unable to access the VIP package, secondary market sites like Gametime are offering tickets at various price points. Currently, the lowest-cost tickets are priced at $357 each, while ringside seats are retailing for $8,067 each. Moreover, gambling interest in the fight has surged, with BetMGM already accepting bets. Although Jake Paul is the current favorite according to odds (-145), a significant portion of the wagers is in favor of Tyson. The matchup promises to attract a diverse audience, including Tyson supporters, Jake Paul critics, and casual sports enthusiasts.
Despite the excitement surrounding the fight, specific financial terms and Netflix’s involvement have not been disclosed. Netflix will stream the bout globally to all subscribers for free as part of its foray into sports content. Tyson and Paul are expected to earn eight-figure sums from the event, underscoring the magnitude of the matchup. Most Valuable Promotions aims for the fight to become the most-viewed streaming sports event in the U.S., indicating the substantial impact it could have on the world of boxing.
Mike Tyson’s return to the boxing ring has sparked unparalleled interest and excitement, drawing in fans, bettors, and media attention from around the globe. With groundbreaking offers, a star-studded lineup, and the potential to reshape the landscape of boxing, this event is poised to be a game-changer in the world of sports entertainment.