The boxing world was thrown into a frenzy on July 16, 2025, as Saudi billionaire Turki Alalshikh unveiled a jaw-dropping offer, pledging a staggering $700 million for Mike Tyson to knock out Jake Paul within three minutes in a highly anticipated rematch. The announcement, which sent shockwaves through the sport, took an even more surprising turn when Tyson, the legendary former heavyweight champion, confirmed his acceptance of the deal. However, it was Jake Paul’s unexpected reaction that left the global boxing community utterly stunned, turning this saga into one of the most talked-about moments of the year.
The proposal came as part of Alalshikh’s ambitious vision to elevate boxing through high-stakes events under the Riyadh Season banner, following his success in orchestrating blockbuster fights like Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford. The offer stipulates that Tyson, now 59 and a decade removed from his last professional fight, must deliver a knockout against Paul within the opening three minutes of the rematch, a challenge that has reignited debates about the feasibility of such a matchup. Tyson, whose last bout against Paul on July 20, 2024, ended in a controversial unanimous decision loss, seized the opportunity, declaring his intent to reclaim his dominance with a statement: “I’m back to finish what I started.”
The rematch, if it materializes, would pit the aging icon against Paul, the 28-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer with a record of 12-1, including a notable win over Tyson last year. Alalshikh’s involvement has added a layer of intrigue, with the billionaire’s reputation for injecting massive purses into the sport fueling speculation about the fight’s logistics. Sources close to the negotiations suggest the event could be staged in Riyadh later this year, with Alalshikh’s financial backing ensuring a spectacle that could rival the biggest pay-per-view events in history.
Paul’s response, however, stole the spotlight. Expecting a defiant rejection or a bold counter-challenge, the boxing world was instead met with a cryptic social media post from “The Problem Child” that read, “Let’s see if the old man can still swing—700 million says he can’t.” The remark, laced with sarcasm and ambiguity, left fans and analysts guessing whether Paul was conceding the fight, mocking the offer, or plotting a strategic countermove. The post triggered a flood of reactions online, with posts found on X reflecting a mix of amusement, disbelief, and anticipation, as the boxing community grappled with the unpredictability of Paul’s stance.
Tyson’s camp has expressed confidence in his preparation, with trainer Rafael Cordeiro hinting at an intensive training regimen to ensure the former champion can deliver the knockout. “Mike’s got the hunger back,” Cordeiro said, “and with 700 million on the line, he’s ready to prove he’s still ‘Iron Mike.’” The financial incentive has also drawn attention to Tyson’s recent business ventures, including his cannabis empire, which could benefit from the renewed spotlight. Meanwhile, Paul’s promoter, Nakisa Bidarian, remained tight-lipped, fueling speculation that the fighter might be negotiating his own terms behind the scenes.
The proposal has sparked a divide among fans and experts. Some view it as a bold move to revitalize interest in boxing, with Alalshikh’s deep pockets ensuring a global audience. Others question the ethics of staging such a fight, citing Tyson’s age and the physical risks involved, especially given the three-minute knockout clause. Posts found on X highlight this tension, with some calling it “a circus” while others praise it as “the biggest payday in boxing history.”
As the story unfolds, all eyes are on Paul’s next move. Will he accept the challenge and step into the ring, or will his surprising reaction signal a withdrawal or a twist in the narrative? The boxing world waits with bated breath, as this multimillion-dollar showdown promises to redefine the sport’s landscape, blending legacy, controversy, and uncharted territory in a way only Alalshikh’s vision could orchestrate.
