Boxer and YouTuber Jake Paul is taking flak online after it was announced Thursday he plans to fight Mike Tyson this summer in Texas.
Most of the complaints were centered on the age gap between the two. Paul is 27 and Tyson, the most feared fighter of his era, is 57 and will be 58 at the time of the match.
Netflix, which will broadcast the bout between Paul and Tyson, announced in a post on X that the fight is set for July 20 in Arlington at AT&T Stadium.
It’s JAKE PAUL vs. MIKE TYSON — yes, really! — in a LIVE BOXING event at AT&T Stadium you won’t want to miss. Airing live on Netflix Saturday, July 20 #PaulTyson pic.twitter.com/ULXVeCYeH6
— Netflix (@netflix) March 7, 2024
Paul also took to his own page to promote the fight, although he claimed the event was big enough that no one needed to convince people to tune in.
“The biggest fight of the 21st century, in the biggest NFL stadium in the US, broadcast live, on the biggest streaming platform in the world,” Paul wrote.
He added, “Whether you’re tuning in on Netflix or showing out in person, whether you’re team Paul or team Tyson, or whether you’re a lifelong boxing fan or watching your first fight, you’re not going to want to miss this event.”
Promotion promotion promotion if I’m being honest it don’t need that.. The biggest fight of the 21st century, in the biggest NFL stadium in the US, broadcast live, on the biggest streaming platform in the world…that’s the MVP way. Whether you’re tuning in on Netflix or showing… pic.twitter.com/DQLKMnyWfO
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) March 7, 2024
The internet star-turned pro boxer concluded, “Time to put Iron Mike to sleep.”
Paul has faced backlash, not only for the post but also for the fact he has agreed to fight a man who is almost 60. Scores of people in combat sports as well as causal fans ripped into him:
You should be ashamed of yourself. And the biggest joke is you don’t even slightly realize why. https://t.co/If8X3xuF52
— michael (@bisping) March 7, 2024
You’re fighting someone who was born in 1966. Have some shame. https://t.co/jLBC3marOO
— Dillon Danis (@dillondanis) March 7, 2024
