The Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul fight is not something many people were surprised to hear, given how lucrative white-collar amateur boxing matches are these days.
The fight is slated for July 20 at the AT&T Stadium and livestream on Netflix.
Paul, along with his brother Logan, are regarded as the highest-earners in white collar boxing ever since it became mainstream this decade.
He has gotten into the ring with other celebrities and then elevated the level of competition by taking on former Ultimate Fight Championship stars.
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He fought a boxer once and lost. On February 26 last year, he fought British professional boxer Tommy Fury at the Diriyah Arena in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.
While the defeat was expected, Paul still earned praises for pushing a pro boxer to eight rounds. He only lost via a split decision (74-75, 76-73, 76-73).
Paul, on his part, is savoring the chance to get in the ring with one of the most iconic boxers of all time.
"It's crazy to think that in my second pro fight I went viral for knocking out Nate Robinson on Mike Tyson's undercard," he said.
"Now, less than four years later, I'm stepping up to face Tyson myself to see if I have what it takes to beat one of boxing's most notorious fighters and biggest icons."
The Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul boxing fight is all about the pay. Still, it would not hurt to overanalyze this one.
Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul prediction
Right now, betting odds see Paul as the favorite: -500 vs Tyson's +325.
The last time Iron Mike was in the ring was in November 2020 against former champ Roy Jones Jr.
It resulted in a split draw - 79-73 Tyson, 76-76 draw, 80-76 Jones - prompting viewers to believe it was just a cash grab.
Still, Tyson exceeded expectations. He had the stamina and intelligently used a close game to slow the match down. He repeatedly targeted Jones' body to slow him down while sneaking power shots here and there.
Paul is only 27 years old, 30 years younger than Tyson. Should that be enough reason to pick him as the winner of this fight?
Probably. His performance against Tommy Fury says a lot about his progress as a boxer.
He got the height advantage, too. He is 6'1, while Mike Tyson is 5'10. That means longer reach.
Paul has also been more active in the past few years.
He had three bouts after the loss to Fury in February of 2023.
He fought and won one six months after he took on UFC fighter Nate Diaz. Another one by December when he defeated Andre August.
Just this month, he defeated Ryan Bourland via TKO in Puerto Rico.
The sentimental pick is Tyson. Paul loves being the villain. However, the reality is not kind.
It will not be surprising if Iron Mike loses. All one can hope now is that he pulls off a surprise.
He will lose, but everybody hopes he will lose with dignity.
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