As the boxing world gears up for one of the most bizarre matchups in recent memory, sharp bettors and the general public seem to be on opposite sides of the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight.
The Comeback King vs. The Maverick Youtuber
On Friday, Mike Tyson, the former undisputed heavyweight champion known as “The Baddest Man on the Planet,” will return to the ring against 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. At 58 years old, with his last professional fight 19 years in the rearview, Tyson is a staggering +180 underdog at Caesars Sportsbook, where an impressive 91% of tickets and 77% of the money are backing the former champ.
“I anticipate Mike Tyson will make this fight competitive for the first four rounds, where his power will be a factor. After that, I think he will be too gassed, and his age will start to show on the back half of the fight,” said Brandon Yaeger, Caesars’ lead combat sports oddsmaker.
Despite Tyson’s advanced age, the lure of the former champion’s fearsome knockout power has captured the imagination of the betting public. A William Hill bettor in Nevada even wagered $25,000 on Tyson at +190 odds.
The Underdog Favored
On the flip side, the consensus among more “educated” bettors seems to favor the younger, more active Paul. At Caesars, Paul is as low as a -240 favorite, with sportsbook directors like Chuck Esposito of Red Rock Resort acknowledging that “the bigger plays are on Paul.”
“If Paul gets Tyson in trouble, will he back off because he doesn’t want to hurt him?” questioned Jay Kornegay, vice president of the Westgate SuperBook, which has taken multiple max bets of $5,000 on Paul.
Tyson’s medical scare on a flight in May forced the postponement of the fight, originally scheduled for July 20. This has only heightened concerns about the former champion’s health and readiness to step into the ring against a younger, hungrier opponent.
A Dangerous Proposition
British boxing star Amir Khan, a former world champion himself, has even threatened to “give a little slap and sort Paul out” if the YouTuber manages to defeat the aging Tyson. Khan expressed concerns about the 30-year age gap and Tyson’s weight disadvantage, wondering aloud whether “Iron Mike” is taking the fight seriously enough.
“Ultimately, Mike makes the choice to enter the ring and engage in combat,” Khan stated. “Should he sustain a beating, your instinct would be to defend your friend by stepping in and offering a similar punishment.”
The stakes are high, as Tyson’s loss could deal a devastating blow to the legacy and reputation of boxing. Many fans have voiced concerns that the fight is “fixed” if Paul emerges victorious, unable to fathom a YouTuber defeating one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Tyson’s Reign Tested One More Time
With the boxing world in a state of suspense, Mike Tyson prepares to enter the ring once more in an attempt to relive the magic that made him a legend. But standing in his way is the brash, younger Jake Paul, who seems intent on making a name for himself at the expense of the former champion’s legacy. Will Tyson’s power and experience prevail, or will Paul’s youth and hunger prove too much for the aging legend? Fight fans around the world eagerly await the answer this Friday night.
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