In what may go down as the most shocking and expensive proposal in the history of combat sports, Saudi billionaire Turki Alalshikh has offered a jaw-dropping $800 million prize if boxing legend Mike Tyson agrees to fight social media star-turned-boxer Jake Paul in September 2025.

The bold move, announced on social media and confirmed by close sources, has sent shockwaves through both the boxing community and global entertainment world. The offer is being hailed as “insane,” “unreal,” and “possibly the biggest payday in the history of sports” — if it goes through.
A once-in-a-lifetime showdown?
At 58, Mike Tyson may be well past his prime, but the former undisputed heavyweight champion remains one of the most iconic and feared names in boxing history. With his recent comeback exhibition fights generating massive interest, Tyson has proven that his presence in the ring still sells.
On the other hand, Jake Paul, 28, has carved a unique path in the world of boxing — rising from YouTube fame to professional bouts, defeating several former MMA stars and building a massive following along the way. Love him or hate him, Paul knows how to grab headlines and draw crowds.
A Tyson vs. Paul fight would be more than a boxing match — it would be a global event. And Turki Alalshikh knows it.
Who is Turki Alalshikh?
Turki Alalshikh is no stranger to splashy moves. As the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and one of the key architects behind the kingdom’s “Vision 2030” strategy, he has made it his mission to transform Saudi Arabia into a global hub for sports and entertainment.
From bringing in Cristiano Ronaldo to launching massive boxing events featuring Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Oleksandr Usyk, Alalshikh has become one of the most influential power players in modern sports.
But this $800 million offer — reportedly including appearance fees, pay-per-view revenue guarantees, and backend profits — could be his boldest attempt yet to break the internet and rewrite boxing history.
Tyson’s response: cryptic but curious
So far, Mike Tyson has not issued an official response. However, he did post a cryptic tweet shortly after the news broke, simply stating:
“Everyone has a plan… until they get offered $800 million.”
That alone was enough to send fans into a frenzy, with thousands of comments begging Tyson to “take the money and fight.”
Insiders close to Tyson say the former champ is “seriously considering” the offer, but has questions about the terms, training time, and whether the fight would be classified as a professional or exhibition bout.
Jake Paul’s reaction: bring it on
Jake Paul, never one to miss a media moment, immediately responded to the news on Instagram:
“Let’s make history. Iron Mike, I respect you, but if the money’s real, I’m ready. September 2025. Let’s dance.”
Paul has been vocal in the past about wanting to fight legends and “shock the world” by taking down iconic names. If this deal happens, it will be the ultimate test of whether his confidence — and skill — can stand up to the man once dubbed “the Baddest Man on the Planet.”
The internet breaks — again
Social media exploded within minutes of the announcement. Hashtags like #TysonVsPaul, #800MillionFight, and #OnlyInSaudi began trending across Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram. Memes, fan posters, and fantasy predictions flooded every corner of the internet.
“$800 million? That’s not a fight. That’s Avengers: Endgame in a boxing ring,” one user joked.
Others questioned whether the fight should happen at all, citing Tyson’s age and safety concerns. But for most fans, the sheer spectacle and money involved have already sold the idea.
Can it actually happen?
Boxing purists may scoff at the idea of a YouTuber fighting a former heavyweight legend, but the sport has long since crossed into the realm of entertainment and spectacle. With the rise of influencer boxing and Saudi Arabia’s growing appetite for blockbuster events, nothing seems impossible anymore.
If Tyson signs on, and the money is real, this could be the highest-grossing combat sports event in history — eclipsing even Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor.
As one commentator put it:
“It’s not about boxing anymore. It’s about legacy, ego, and billions of dollars.”
One thing’s certain: September 2025 may be the month the world stops to watch two generations — and two icons of very different kinds — collide in the most expensive boxing match ever proposed.