Netflix is making a bold move into the realm of live sports.
Mike Tyson, the controversial former heavyweight champion, will face off against YouTuber-turned-fighter Jake Paul in what Netflix describes as a “boxing mega-event.” The event will be streamed exclusively on Netflix on July 20, according to the entertainment company’s announcement on Thursday.
The showdown between Tyson and Paul is scheduled to take place at AT&T Stadium, a venue with an 80,000-seat capacity located in Arlington, Texas. This stadium also serves as the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, as stated in the company’s news release.
This occasion represents one of Netflix’s boldest ventures into both sports content and live performances, as it aims to solidify its position as the top destination for at-home viewing in the United States, displacing traditional players in broadcast and cable.
Netflix recently secured a 10-year agreement for the exclusive streaming rights to World Wrestling Entertainment’s (WWE) weekly flagship show, “Raw,” beginning in January 2025. The attention-grabbing deal was estimated to be worth over $5 billion.
“I’m eagerly anticipating stepping into the ring with Jake Paul at the AT&T STADIUM IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS,” said Tyson in a statement accompanying the Netflix announcement.
“He’s shown significant growth as a boxer over the years, so it’ll be intriguing to witness what the determination and ambition of a ‘kid’ can achieve when matched against the experience and skill of a GOAT,” Tyson continued, employing the acronym for greatest of all time.
Tyson, who will be 58 at the time of the Netflix fight, gained a reputation as one of the most formidable boxers and provocative personalities in contemporary professional sports.