Mike Tyson will be in new territory when he fights Jake Paul come July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas. Not because it’s his first live fight in nearly four years or because it’s the first time Netflix will broadcast a boxing match. But because of the audience that will be watching him: old boxing fans who know him as Iron Mike Tyson, and a new generation sports fans who have learned everything they know about boxing from social media star and champ, Paul.
Paul, a social media star (and nuisance), has gained an immense following by doing pranks and other stupid things on YouTube and Vine (RIP). His foray into boxing has arguably reignited some excitement around the sport.
Although some may argue that Paul is just a YouTuber, he has taken boxing seriously, holding a career record of 9-1. Just last week, he knocked out Ryan Bourland in the first round, and in December he knocked out Andre August (also in the first round). To put it lightly, the social media star has made boxing relevant again to a new generation and fan demographic who previously did not care about it at all.
