Saudi Royal Reportedly Offers Mike Tyson $700 Million for Jake Paul Rematch
Legendary boxer Mike Tyson may have an opportunity to redeem himself after his surprising defeat to YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, with reports of an extraordinary financial incentive for a rematch.
The Offer
According to FTTV Boxing, Turki Alalshikh, the head of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, has proposed a staggering $700 million payout to Tyson if he agrees to a rematch under specific conditions:
- Winning by Knockout: Tyson must achieve a knockout victory over Paul.
- Time Limit: The knockout must occur within the first three minutes of the fight.
Alalshikh allegedly dismissed Paul’s skills as a boxer, stating, “Jake Paul is a joke,” while emphasizing his desire for a “real fight.”
Background
The initial fight, which streamed live on Netflix and attracted millions of viewers, was criticized as underwhelming, with some even claiming it appeared staged. Despite being a highly anticipated clash between the 57-year-old Tyson and the 26-year-old Paul, the match failed to live up to its hype.
Rumors and Reactions
Rumors of the offer began circulating late last month when congressional candidate Jack Lombardi II posted about it on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), sparking debate among fans and critics.
Actor Sylvester Stallone also weighed in on the fight, suggesting Tyson might have deliberately lost:
“Jake, be grateful, HE SPARED YOUR LIFE!” Stallone quipped, implying Tyson’s performance was an intentional act.
Challenges of a Rematch
A rematch between Tyson and Paul would undoubtedly draw massive global attention. However, key obstacles remain:
- Age Gap: With a 31-year difference between the competitors, Tyson’s ability to meet the knockout requirement within three minutes could be a tall order.
- Criticism of the First Fight: Given the backlash over their initial bout, it is uncertain whether there would be significant appetite or credibility for a second showdown.
Next Steps
Neither Tyson nor Paul has publicly responded to the rumored offer. If the deal materializes, the rematch could set a precedent for extravagant sports entertainment, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to become a hub for global boxing events.
