Jake Paul and Mike Tyson aren’t stepping into the ring this weekend. But they’re not sitting out either.
The two high-profile fighters have placed a $1 million bet on the outcome of Friday’s Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano trilogy bout, which will take place at Madison Square Garden and stream live on Netflix.
Paul, who co-promotes Serrano under his Most Valuable Promotions banner, is backing her to win. Tyson, who took Taylor’s side in the first two fights, is standing firm once again.
The friendly wager surfaced during a FaceTime call between the two, which Paul shared on social media Monday. In the clip, Paul teases that “the streets” are calling Taylor vs Serrano II a better matchup than their own now-delayed fight.
“I’m throwing $1 million on Serrano. Let’s make it interesting,” Paul said.
Tyson didn’t blink. “I’ll match it,” he replied. Then added, “Whoever loses buys dinner.”
So now, it’s one million dollars and dinner on the line.
Whether either of them has picked a restaurant yet is unclear. But the matchup itself already carries enough weight.
In 2022, Taylor and Serrano delivered a defining fight for women’s boxing. Taylor narrowly won by split decision, with Serrano pushing her to the limit. Their 2023 rematch was another nail-biter — Taylor got the win again, but many saw it as a toss-up.
Now, they return to settle things once and for all. And Paul and Tyson are just adding another layer.
Serrano enters the fight as the underdog once again. Paul says she’s better prepared this time and hungry to even the score. Tyson doesn’t agree. He says Taylor’s mindset and experience will carry her through.
This public bet also comes at a curious moment. Paul and Tyson were originally scheduled to face each other this month. That bout was postponed after Tyson experienced a medical issue during a flight. The new date is set for November.
Still, neither man seems short on competitive energy.
Friday’s bout may be about legacy for Taylor and Serrano. For Paul and Tyson, it’s about backing their instincts with cold, hard cash.
And maybe, a pricey meal too.
