At the Apollo Theater in Harlem, a press conference featuring Mike Tyson and Jake Paul took place on Monday, generating considerable attention. The event was marked by a mix of performances and unexpected incidents before the formal face-off between the two fighters, highlighting the unusual nature of the upcoming bout set for July 20 in Dallas, Texas.
The conference kicked off with energetic performances by musicians and a youthful local boxer who made provocative comments, setting a tone that even left veteran boxer Mike Tyson taken aback. Tyson, 57, is scheduled to fight 27-year-old Paul, marking Tyson's return to the ring after nearly two decades since his last professional fight.
The event also showcased other prominent figures such as Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor, both of whom expressed their excitement and honor to be part of the event. This fight is not just a sports event but a major entertainment spectacle, with the match set to be streamed by Netflix to its 270 million subscribers.
Tickets for the event were in high demand, with prices ranging up to $2 million for a VIP package, despite concerns voiced by figures like Deontay Wilder about Tyson's wellbeing due to the age difference and time away from professional boxing. Tyson dismissed these concerns, emphasizing his unique position in the sports world.
This fight represents a convergence of traditional boxing and the new age of entertainment-focused sporting events, illustrated by the presence and involvement of a younger audience and content creators like Jake Paul.