(CNN) — Jake Paul has undeniably established himself as a 21st century celebrity. Before his fight against Mike Tyson, he had over 27.2 million followers on Instagram and 20.8 million subscribers on his YouTube channel.
Mainly, Paul is a celebrity; subsequently, he can be considered a fighter with a record of 11 fights and 10 victories. His foray into boxing since 2020 has unfolded with the characteristic spectacularity of a showman.
Unlike Tyson, who is a boxer first and a celebrity second, Paul’s personality appeals to the immediacy of celebrity. Renowned writer Joyce Carol Oates once commented on Tyson, who became the youngest heavyweight champion in history in 1986, saying: “Mike Tyson, a boy warrior, became a legend of sorts, before ‘a legend cannot define it.’ Jake Paul, with all that he represents in terms of fame and fortune, cannot even aspire to such a legacy. He is a celebrity of fleeting moments, adept at promoting himself; he proclaims his ambition to become world champion. Following the confirmation of his fight with Tyson, he said: “Now I have the opportunity to prove my worth against the greatest heavyweight champion of all time, the most feared man on the planet , and the most dangerous boxer in history.”
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“This will be the fight of my life,” he added.
Mike Tyson attended the weigh-in on November 14, 2024, in Dallas, Texas, ahead of his fight with Jake Paul. Credit: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for Netflix
So, Jake Paul’s in-ring career may revolve around the effort to prove his worth. What constitutes the value of a boxer? Is it his endurance, his ability to entertain the audience, his knockout power, or surviving this cruel sport of sweat and blood? Is it the belts?
“I don’t fear anyone. I want you to be that old fool, Mike. You say you’re going to kill me. Is that what you will do? Mike, I’m ready. I want that killer in the ring. I want him toughest fight possible, and I don’t want any excuses after finishing you,” Paul said in an interview before the fight, according to the EFE agency.
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The fight of Jake Paul’s life will, in any case, be an exhibition match. It will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with a capacity of 80,000 spectators. The fight will be broadcast live on Netflix. It is scheduled over eight rounds (an official match generally consists of twelve); each round will last two minutes (instead of the usual three minutes); and larger 14 ounce gloves will be used (instead of the usual 10 ounce gloves).
Jake Paul’s boxing record
Tommy Fury punches Jake Paul during their cruiserweight title fight at Diriyah Arena on February 26, 2023, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Credit: Francois Nel/Getty Images
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Born on January 17, 1997 in Cleveland, Ohio, Jake Paul made his boxing and mixed martial arts debut in 2018, making his professional debut against fellow newcomer Ali Eson Gib in January 2020.
Since then, his record shows ten victories, including seven by knockout, and one defeat. This defeat took place against Tommy Fury at the Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia in February 2023, witnessed by boxer Tyson Fury, Tommy’s half-brother, footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, and his current opponent Mike Tyson.
“Iron Mike,” as Tyson is also known, concluded his professional career in June 2005 with a record of 50 victories (44 by knockout) and six defeats.
Jake Paul throws a left punch to Anderson Silva of Brazil during their cruiserweight bout at Desert Diamond Arena on October 29, 2022, in Glendale, Arizona. Credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images
The Dance of Millions
Tyson has nothing left to prove in the ring; he accomplished everything. So, what pushes him to put on the gloves again at 58 years old against an opponent 31 years younger?
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One of the answers, undoubtedly, lies in money. It is estimated that the total purse for this fight will reach 80 million dollars, divided equally between the two boxers, according to the EFE agency.
Tickets for this event at the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys range from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on location, not including premium packages.
Additionally, Paul is the favorite in most betting houses. Indeed, Paul has six of the 25 highest-bet boxing fights in betting history, according to Reuters.
Mike Tyson and Jake Paul during their ceremonial weigh-in at the Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory on November 14, 2024, in Irving, Texas. Credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Canelo Alvarez in Paul’s sights
Jake Paul is a showman who — as previously mentioned — knows how to sell himself: he challenged Saul “Canelo” Alvarez to a future match. Of course, he must first defeat the aging Tyson.
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During an appearance on the “Timpo SugarShow” podcast, Paul detailed his reasons for wanting to face the 34-year-old fighter from Guadalajara:
“This moment will prove that I am the face of boxing, the biggest attraction. My fight against Canelo at 200 pounds for the cruiserweight title of world champion is the most important fight, perhaps even more significant than my fight against Tyson,” he said.
Jake Paul speaks during the final press conference for his upcoming heavyweight fight against Mike Tyson at Toyota Music Factory on November 13, 2024, in Irving, Texas. Credit: Ed Mulholland/Getty Images
“I’m going to have the biggest surprise in the sport of boxing, and we’re really going to fight to see who is the face of boxing because after this event (the Tyson fight), I will claim that title. I beat his box office record in Texas; I’m breaking ticket sales, all that. So the numbers and data show it all. I have more subscribers than him, etc. most watched fight of this century, so I will be the new money magnet,” Paul added.
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Jake Paul’s bravado in front of the microphones could generate mountains of money. However, with each fight, he will continue to seek to prove his worth in a sport where true legends are forged in drama that the YouTuber-turned-boxer himself does not possess.
– The-CNN-Wire
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