BIG for boxing? Maybe the biggest in years given how many worldwide have access to a Netflix account. Netflix is the biggest streaming company in the world by far, so boxing will be put on a map bigger than Mayweather vs Pacquiao or Mayweather vs McGregor. Both were pay-per-view. This isn’t. Mike Tyson, 50-6 (44 KOs), is a bigger name than all of them.
Paul is bigger with the younger generation too on (some) social media, which is concerning for ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson’s prospects. If that 58-year-old chin can ship heavy digs from a 27-year-old in round one, then it will be interesting. Knockouts are allowed. Two-minute rounds with short bursts will suit Tyson strategically.
If Paul keeps it long, on the outside, it may close Tyson off, but that’s up to Tyson to use the jab to find and potentially hurt him. It would be like something out of a Rocky movie if Tyson pulls it off because he’s a big underdog.
Tyson has made the impossible possible many times in boxing and life, but this is a big ask, even for him. People still want to believe in his almost supernatural ability. He is the people’s champion and Paul is viewed as a villain. Jake, however, is a very shrewd boxing promoter.
After all, it is Paul who is staging the event, not Hearn or Matchroom, not Tyson. Paul and his MVP Promotions – working with Netflix – have achieved a huge coup for the sport of boxing on November 15th. Friday night boxing too is an enjoyable change, as opposed to Saturday night. It’s almost back to the Friday night boxing days on ESPN, which might get even more masses tuning in to watch without having to give up their Saturday night, in what is a clever move.
Decades after his prime, Tyson remains an enduring draw for boxing and society at large. A unique, extraordinary individual who needs to keep away from boxing after this event. Mike must sail into the sunset away from this brutal hurt business and move on in life. There are plenty of things for him to do. In business Tyson is already a big success. Whatever the result, in this last professional heavyweight fight, for one final championship, Mike Tyson must simply walk away.
As well as the Tyson-Paul, main event, there is also a good undercard put together for hardcore boxing fans. Taylor and Serrano have a wildly huge platform in what is surely the biggest women’s boxing match ever.
By Niall Doran
