A significant financial wager has reportedly been established between prominent figures Jake Paul and Mike Tyson regarding the upcoming boxing trilogy bout featuring undisputed lightweight champion Katie Taylor and featherweight titlist Amanda Serrano.
Reports indicate the sum stands at $1 million. This proposition was initiated by Mr. Paul during a recent communication with Mr. Tyson ahead of the highly anticipated third contest between two of women`s boxing`s most recognized athletes.
Interestingly, both individuals are reportedly revisiting their selections from a previous, distinct context – specifically, the lead-up to their own recent exhibition encounter. In that instance, Mr. Paul supported Ms. Serrano, who competes under his promotional banner, while Mr. Tyson aligned with Ms. Taylor, reportedly citing personal inspiration derived from her distinguished boxing career.
While Mr. Paul secured a decision victory in their exhibition match, Ms. Taylor has historically triumphed over Ms. Serrano in their professional contests, securing decision wins in their prior two meetings. The second of these bouts, in particular, achieved notable viewership metrics, establishing it as a landmark event for women`s boxing.
Upon Mr. Paul`s offer to formalize a substantial wager on the third Taylor-Serrano encounter, Mr. Tyson is reported to have promptly reaffirmed his confidence in Ms. Taylor. The stipulated terms involve the exchange of one million U.S. dollars based on the fight`s official outcome. Adding a further, perhaps less financially significant, stipulation, Mr. Tyson is also reported to have requested dinner should his selection prove correct – a classic rider on an otherwise monumental bet.
The previous bouts between Taylor and Serrano have been characterized by their competitive nature and close scoring, establishing a compelling and, for some, contentious narrative leading into a third meeting.
Adding another layer to the promotional landscape surrounding this event, it is noted that the promotional entities involved, including Mr. Paul`s Most Valuable Promotions and Matchroom Boxing, led by Eddie Hearn, are collaborating despite a past legal dispute. This litigation stemmed from allegations made by Mr. Paul regarding the judging protocol of the initial Taylor-Serrano contest, a matter that was subsequently resolved through an amicable settlement agreement earlier this year. The transition from legal adversaries to promotional partners underscores the complex operational dynamics within the sport.
The forthcoming trilogy bout is scheduled for Friday, originating from the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York, and is slated for global broadcast on the Netflix platform. This high-value personal stake between two prominent figures adds an unconventional, yet perhaps unsurprising, dynamic to an already significant professional boxing event.
Marcus Blakely