In a spectacular and eye-popping move, Saudi billionaire Turki Alalshikh has offered boxer Mike Tyson a staggering $700 million to agree to a real-life boxing match with YouTube sensation Jake Paul. The stakes are high: if Tyson wins by knockout in three minutes or less, the massive payout is scrapped.
Alalshikh, a prominent figure in sports and entertainment, is not hiding behind the boxing matches that he calls Jake Paul’s previous fights. In a recent statement, Alalshikh criticized Paul’s approach to boxing, calling it a “pity” in the ring. “Jake Paul is a pity,” he said. “I saw a 58-year-old legend willingly lose a Hollywood fight to a 27-year-old kid for money. That’s not how boxing should be.”
An offer to Tyson comes with a stipulation that a fight must be legitimate: no staged events or entertainment, but a real cash fight with the raw intensity for which Tyson is known. “I’m giving Mike Tyson $700 million if he agrees to fight Jake Paul this time in a real fight and win by knockout in no more than three minutes,” Alalshikh added. “I’ve been boxing for years and I know what Mike Tyson can do.”
Mike Tyson, whose reputation as one of the greatest and fiercest boxers of all time is indisputable, has not fought professionally for over a decade, although he returned to the ring in 2020 for an exhibition bout against the late Roy Jones Jr. Despite his age — now 58 — Tyson remains in remarkable physical condition and continues to train. His legendary power and speed, although slightly diminished from his prime, still make him a dangerous opponent in the ring.
Jake Paul, on the other hand, has made a name for himself in boxing circles despite a controversial entry into the sport. Beginning his career with several knockout wins over former MMA fighters and even some experienced boxers, Paul’s critics claim that his fights amounted to little more than publicity stunts designed to draw attention. His recent wins, including the knockout of former UFC fighter Tyron Woodley, spark debates on the subject or whether it is necessary to confront a boxing tyrant like Tyson.
Paul’s prospect of entering Tyson’s ring for a real fight, however, increases as we bet heavily. A genuine boxing match would eliminate the theatrics and force the two men to compete at the highest level of the sport. If Tyson agrees to the challenge, it will not only be a test of his borrowed skills, but also a chance for him to secure one of the biggest payouts in the history of the box office. For Paul, the chance to face Tyson in a legitimate fight could either cement his place as a serious fighter or expose him as a mere passing showman.
As for Jake Paul reacting to that offer, it is not yet known whether he will accept the challenge. Not in the past, Paul publicly expresses his interest in fighting known names, but he will be willing to face an experienced fighter like Tyson in a genuine, uncertain fight. Moreover, Alalshikh’s offer raises a question: will Jake Paul continue to chase less convinced opponents or will he step up to face the biggest challenge of his career?
For now, the boxing world is in suspense. Will we witness a true clash of generations, with the young and impetuous Jake Paul facing the experienced and powerful Mike Tyson? Time will tell.
