Mike Tyson and Jake Paul are set to face off in a boxing match on November 15 at AT&T; Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The fight will stream live on Netflix, marking a new venture for the platform into live sports events.
Tyson, the former undisputed heavyweight champion, is making a surprising return to the ring at 58 years old. He retired in 2005 after losing to Kevin McBride, saying he no longer had the stomach for boxing and had lost his ferocity. Now, nearly two decades later, he's lacing up the gloves again to take on YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
Paul, 30 years Tyson's junior, has been making waves in the boxing world since transitioning from social media stardom. While he's proven he can pack a punch, many consider his skill level to be far below Tyson's.
The fight is scheduled for eight two-minute rounds, a format that's raised eyebrows in the boxing community. Many experts are calling the match-up unacceptable and dangerous for Tyson, given his age and time away from competitive boxing.
However, not everyone shares these concerns. Lennox Lewis, who fought and defeated Tyson in 2002, offered his thoughts on the bout in a recent interview with IFL TV:
"I don't think Jake Paul can hurt Mike Tyson. That's what I think. I think Mike basically has to catch up to Jake Paul. Jake Paul's not gonna be there and trying to get hit by Mike Tyson. Mike Tyson really knows how to break down opponents and I think he's gonna try and break him down and take him out."
Lewis, known as 'The Lion' during his fighting days, expanded on his view in another interview with Boxing News:
"What are they concerned about? Mike Tyson knows how to defend himself and he's boxing against a guy that's as good a boxer as he is. Mike knows how to throw a good punch, how to break you down, so I'm more concerned about the other guy."
Lewis's comments suggest he's more worried about Paul's safety than Tyson's. He believes Tyson's experience and skill will be too much for the younger Paul to handle.
As the fight date approaches, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how this unusual matchup unfolds. Netflix subscribers can tune in live to witness this unique sporting event.
