The boxing world prepares for an epic clash between two titans, one a living legend and the other a rising star. On Friday night, former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, 58, will step into the ring against YouTube sensation-turned boxer Jake Paul, 27, in a highly anticipated matchup.
Tyson needed time to recover from a medical episode and stomach ulcer, which led to the delay from the original July date. However, the state has sanctioned the rescheduled bout as a professional fight with some modifications, and it will now take place at the $1.2 billion AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
When And Where To Watch
The telecast for the Tyson-Paul fight is set to start at 8 p.m. EST on Friday night, though the actual main event could approach midnight EST. This isn’t a traditional pay-per-view format but will instead stream live on Netflix, requiring a subscription to the platform.
The odds and age differences
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, Jake Paul is the betting favorite at minus-210, meaning a $210 bet on him would pay out just under $100 if he wins. Some of the top prop bets favor Tyson, with odds of +275 for a knockout/TKO victory and +1000 for a win on points.
The age difference between the two fighters is a staggering 31 years, with Tyson at 58 and Paul at 27. Tyson’s last sanctioned fight was in 2005, when he lost to Kevin McBride and retired. Since then, he’s had one exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020. Paul, on the other hand, is 10-1 as a professional, with his lone loss coming against Tommy Fury.
The Fight Details
The schedule for this bout includes 8 two-minute rounds, a departure from the standard 3-minute rounds and 10-12 rounds seen in most professional fights. The fighters will also use heavier 14-ounce gloves rather than the standard 10-ounce gloves in an effort to reduce the power of their punches.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has approved Tyson’s physical condition for the fight to proceed despite his advanced age. This will be a true test of the former champ’s endurance and skill against the younger, up-and-coming Paul.
Tyson’s Mindset: “Bringing the Devil Himself”
In typical Tyson fashion, the boxing legend has promised to bring the “devil himself” into the ring, warning that his intentions are to “hurt” his opponent. He acknowledges that his own children, particularly his 16-year-old daughter Milan, have never seen the full ferocity of the “baddest man on the planet” in action.
“There are no feelings attached,” Tyson said. If my mother joins me in the ring, she should be careful. When it’s over, it’s over. However, as the process progresses, my intention is to cause him harm. I hope he has the same intentions, or he is in trouble.”
The Streaming Shift in Boxing
This high-profile fight between Tyson and Paul also represents a larger shift in the sports entertainment landscape. Streaming services like Netflix are increasingly embracing live events, sports, and news—markers that were traditionally the domain of cable television.
One Washington Post article argued that the streaming of the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul boxing match is now similar to cable. The trend of major sporting events and live entertainment moving to streaming platforms means viewers can expect rising costs and more commercials, much like the cable TV experience of the past.
Whether you tune in to witness the clash of legends or simply observe the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting, the Tyson-Paul fight promises to be a captivating spectacle. An unforgettable night of boxing awaits, as the past and present engage in a battle for supremacy.
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