Mike Tyson slaps Jake Paul. Photo: Netflix
Mike Tyson, one of the most revered heavyweight boxers in history, returns to the ring tonight in Texas to face YouTuber-turned-boxer, Jake Paul.
The highly anticipated showdown, to be hosted at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, is part of a Netflix extravaganza expected to draw millions of viewers worldwide.
Fans are intrigued by the unusual pairing, which pits the legendary “Iron Mike”, regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time, against the much younger social media star.
At Thursday’s weigh-in, Tyson, 58, tipped the scales at 233 pounds, while Paul, 27, weighed a career-high 220 pounds. In a tense final face-off, Paul theatrically crawled toward Tyson before standing up to challenge him. Tyson responded with a slap to Paul’s face, sparking a brief commotion that security quickly quelled.
Boxing Legends and Stars Share Predictions
Ahead of the clash, boxing greats have weighed in on who might emerge victorious:
- Roy Jones Jr
In an exclusive interview with BetWay, the boxing legend tipped Tyson to win.
“Mike Tyson can beat anybody he wants to when he feels like it. Jake Paul on the other hand needs to make some adjustments and learn to do things he hasn’t done before.
“I think Mike will teach him a lesson and teach him as he goes and teach him about boxing because Mike knows all the ins and outs of boxing. I think with that being said, Mike could win the fight early and will do that.
“If Jake can hang around long enough to tire Mike out, because he’s a 58-year-old man so that’s possible, then he has a great chance,” he said.
- Tyson Fury
Multiple world championships in the heavyweight division, picked Tyson to win while speaking with MMA Hour.
“If Mike Tyson hits anybody, I don’t care if he’s 90, he’s going to knock them out cold isn’t he?’ he told the MMA Hour. ‘He’s Iron Mike Tyson, the baddest man on the planet.
“Jake Paul is very experienced now and he’s had a lot of fights but obviously, I have to back Mike Tyson for the knockout as he always backs me,” he stated.
- Anthony Joshua
The two-time heavyweight champion expressed concern for Tyson’s health while appearing on The Jonathan Ross Show.
“He’s [Mike Tyson] older now. I pray that he comes out healthy. I think Jake Paul because of youth-that’s the only thing,” he said on the Jonathan Ross Show.
- Jorge Masvidal
The American professional boxer told talkSPORT, “No matter how much of an athlete, how mean he was in his prime, this is way past his prime. So I just don’t know how much of Tyson is left. Could Jake beat him? Yeah. But is that Mike Tyson? No.”
- Shannon Briggs
The former heavyweight champion remained neutral but praised both fighters.
Briggs said, “I want to see a great fight, but at the same time, I don’t want Jake to get hurt,’ he said via Brownsville Boxing Gym and Academy. ‘But I used to train Jake, and I’m telling you, he’s a tough kid.
“For me to see him step in the ring with Mike Tyson is absolutely amazing. I was just training a kid, and for him to even be doing this, respect to him. Everyone wants Mike to win but I just want Mike and Jake to make a lot of money, hit the after-party together, and have a good time.
“At the end of the day, it’s about feeding their families. It’s a phenomenal event, because we’re in a time now where this is going to be on Netflix.
“Damn, the whole world is going to see it — everywhere! If you’ve got a phone and a wi-fi signal, whether you’re in Japan, Switzerland, Africa, or even Antarctica you can watch the fight!’
- KSI
Social media star and boxer Olajide Olatunji, popularly known by KSI, sided with Paul, predicting a decisive win.
“Jake Paul will knock out Mike Tyson. This will not be close at all. Boxing is a young man’s game and Mike is 58 years old.
“They’re sending a lamb to the slaughter and it’s disgusting. It is what it is. I still think he’s going to absolutely destroy Mike Tyson because Mike Tyson is old,” KSI said.
- Lennox Lewis
The former three-time world heavyweight champion had faith in Tyson’s experience.
“Mike Tyson’s gonna win. He’s not that old. Don’t take him too softly. We’re one year apart, you can fight somebody like that and do well because the person you’re fighting is not a true fighter and there’s a hundred things that you’ve forgotten that he’s learning,” Lewis stated.
