In an unexpected twist adding a fascinating financial subplot to an already highly anticipated boxing event, Jake Paul and Mike Tyson have reportedly placed a substantial $1 million wager on the upcoming third fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano. The pair, fresh off their own headline-grabbing encounter, are doubling down on the predictions they initially made for the premier women`s boxing rivalry.
The history between Paul, Tyson, Taylor, and Serrano is layered. Prior to their own exhibition match, Paul, who promotes Serrano through Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), publicly backed his fighter. Tyson, conversely, expressed support for Taylor, citing her reverence for his own career. While Paul secured a decision victory over Tyson in their bout, Taylor has historically held the upper hand against Serrano, having edged out two prior decision wins in critically acclaimed contests that have set viewership records for women`s boxing.
With Taylor and Serrano set for a trilogy showdown this Friday, the stage was set for a revival of the Paul-Tyson prediction dynamic. According to reports, Paul initiated contact with Tyson to formalize a bet on the outcome. “A lot of people are saying that Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor’s fight was better than ours,” Paul is quoted as observing before proposing the wager. Tyson promptly affirmed his support for Taylor, leading to the high-stakes agreement: $1 million goes to Tyson if Taylor wins, and $1 million goes to Paul if Serrano is victorious. Tyson, not one to shy away from adding a little extra incentive, also requested a dinner from Paul should Taylor secure the win.
The Taylor vs. Serrano series is widely regarded within the sport as two of the most significant and competitive fights in recent memory, showcasing elite skill and grit from both athletes. Taylor`s narrow victories have only fueled the demand for a decisive third encounter. Interestingly, the promotional path to this trilogy has seen its own share of drama. Following the first fight, a legal dispute arose between Paul`s MVP and Eddie Hearn`s Matchroom Boxing (Taylor`s promoter) regarding Paul`s public claims of judicial impropriety. While counter-suits were filed, the matter was ultimately resolved amicably through a settlement agreement filed earlier this year.
Despite this prior legal friction, Paul and Hearn are once again collaborating to present the Taylor vs. Serrano 3 event. The fight is scheduled to take place at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York and will be broadcast globally on Netflix. The main card is set to commence at 8 p.m. ET.
The addition of Paul and Tyson`s seven-figure bet adds a unique layer of personal investment and spectacle to a fight already laden with historical significance. As two of boxing`s biggest personalities place their money where their predictions lie, the Taylor vs. Serrano trilogy gains yet another compelling narrative thread.
