DAVENPORT, Iowa — Boxing fans and casual viewers alike are buzzing about the upcoming match between YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul and boxing legend Mike Tyson. As the two prepare to face off in Arlington, Texas, some in the boxing world question whether the fight will boost the sport’s image or simply turn it into a spectacle.
The fight, sanctioned as a professional bout with modifications, will run eight two-minute rounds instead of the typical 10-12 three-minute rounds in pro matches. Originally set for July, the fight was postponed so the 58-year-old Tyson could recover from a stomach ulcer.
Local boxing professionals are excited about the fight’s influence. Najee West, a pro fighter, said, “Everybody’s talking about it…This is the moment we’ve all been waiting to see.”
West believes Tyson is well-prepared for the challenge.
“His mental is there, and he’s going out there to kill that man,” West said.
Jamie Delaney, a coach at Pena Boxing Club, believes the fight’s reach could positively impact the sport globally. “This is really helpful in promoting boxing because you’ve got people watching who haven’t watched boxing before,” Delaney said.
With a $40 million payout expected for Paul and $20 million for Tyson, the stakes are high not only for the fighters but for the audience tuning in.
"Boxing is not only a sport at that level," West said. "it’s also entertainment."
The fight will stream live on Netflix starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14. While the exact timing of the Paul-Tyson matchup is uncertain, AP News anticipates the main event could start around 11 p.m.
