The stage was set with three men, donned in high-vis tops and hats, transforming buckets into drums, their beats echoing even as the event commenced.
Following them was a trio of musicians – a trombone player, a bongo drummer, and a bell ringer, succeeded by a solo violinist and then a quartet of fighters, offering the usual platitudes synonymous with boxing events.
After the likes of Mike Tyson, Jake Paul, Amanda Serrano, and Katie Taylor had their say, the stage transitioned to journalists.
Among them, one queried Serrano, a seven-weight world champion, about her plans for the extra pounds she could carry at super lightweight – a question perhaps less relevant.
Eventually, it turned into an impromptu open mic night, with the audience at the Apollo Theater in Harlem invited to steal the spotlight.
One young local boxer, barely in his teens, grabbed the opportunity, delivering a colorful endorsement of the fighters and daringly asking about Tyson and Paul’s romantic conquests.
This prompted Tyson himself to express disbelief at the turn of events.
Indeed, Tyson’s astonishment at the chaos contrasts with his tumultuous past, marked by infamous incidents like biting an opponent’s ear.
Despite now being in a more serene phase of life, with a successful cannabis business restoring his fortune, Tyson’s role as the voice of reason in such a spectacle raises questions about the event’s nature.
The surreal nature of the event, however, didn’t deter attendees, with some lining up as early as 6 am. Despite concerns about Tyson’s age and health, the event, scheduled for July 20, has garnered significant interest, including from Netflix, who will broadcast the fight to millions of subscribers.
Tyson’s dismissal of age concerns reflects his confidence in his ability to captivate audiences, even against a much younger opponent like Paul, a testament to his enduring appeal.
The event’s allure lies in its blend of icons, intrigue, and carefully orchestrated chaos, with even decorated fighters like Katie Taylor admitting to being starstruck in Tyson’s presence.
As the event unfolds, amidst the murals of sporting legends imparting wisdom in Harlem, it’s clear that while many may disapprove, the fusion of generations in the ring on July 20 signifies a new era in sports entertainment – one that even Tyson himself is still trying to comprehend.