After several delays, jawing, and even a few health scares, the highly anticipated bout between "Iron" Mike Tyson and "The Problem Child" Jake Paul is starting to peer out from over the horizon.
The 58-year-old and 27-year-old will go toe-to-toe, head-to-head, mano a mano in an exhibition match this November, the first time Tyson has fought since his exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020.
While the fight has seen a lot of press, some of it negative considering the age discrepancy between the combatants, both fighters seem amped and ready to prove the world wrong. Tyson is looking to show that he can still fight competitively at his age. Meanwhile, Jake Paul is looking to prove that he can go the distance against legitimate boxers ... even if they are three decades older than him.
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All in all, this fight appears to be on track to happen as it is scheduled, which wasn't a foregone conclusion following Tyson's health concerns in May and June. Here are the latest rumors surrounding the fight.
Jake Paul not concerned with Tyson's health
After Tyson suffered a health scare earlier this year, pushing the fight back a few months, there was concern among boxing for Tyson. Jake Paul does not feel concerned though, claiming that no backup will be needed for Tyson.
Answering questions from TMZ, Paul told reporters , "He’s doing great. He’s super healthy behind the scenes and feeling great. That’s what we’re focused on, and there’s not a backup currently." Paul continued, "You can get seriously hurt or injured in there. So, if you’re not in there to go to war, then you should just get out."
Predictions for Tyson-Paul:
Roy Jones Jr.: Tyson to win
In a recent interview with FightHype , Jones, who fought Tyson in an exhibition in 2020 — Tyson's last appearance in a ring — said he believes Tyson will win the fight:
"It’s a young lion and an old lion. It’s a great situation for them. It gives Jake a chance with Mike being as old as he is. I think it’s a great opportunity for both fighters but I still think Mike is gonna be a little bit too much for Jake."
Adam Burke, VSiN : Jake Paul to win
Burke writes, "Paul is fighting a huge name here in Tyson, but it is hard to have any idea what to expect from the former champ. Paul’s youth and progression into being something of a respectable fighter are the reasons why he is favored in this bout. Say what you will about fighting MMA guys masquerading as boxers, but those are guys with good cardio and some more recent data points on fighting with their fists than Tyson."
Nate Diaz : Taking Mike Tyson
In an interview on the All the Smoke podcast, Diaz said that while he respects Paul's youth, speed, and nothing to lose attitude, Tyson is still his guy. Diaz believes that the pressure that comes with Paul being expected to win could play a role in the result as well.
When will Jake Paul fight Mike Tyson?
The fight will still occur on Nov. 15 at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. The event organizer, Most Valuable Promotions, has carefully planned around the Cowboys' schedule to ensure a smooth event. They selected the new date to avoid any conflicts with the Cowboys' home schedule. Dallas will host Houston on "Monday Night Football" on Monday, Nov. 18.
The start time for the fight has not yet been announced. It will only be accessible through Netflix. No other streaming services will carry it, and it will not be watchable on cable television.
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson rules:
This sanctioned fight , recently approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR), will consist of eight two-minute rounds. Both boxers will wear 14-ounce gloves, heavier than the standard gloves.
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson odds:
As of August 28, odds from DraftKings give Paul the edge against Tyson.
- Moneyline : Paul (-270) | Tyson (+205)
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Jake Paul's most recent fight
In place of the fight that was supposed to be between Tyson and Paul, Paul opted for a new opponent to give fans what they wanted to see. The YouTuber-turned-boxer fought Mike Perry on July 20 and won by sixth-round TKO, pushing his career record to 10-1.
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight card
*Full card yet to be released
- Super lightweight title bout: Katie Taylor vs. Amando Serrano
- Middleweight: Neeraj Goyat vs. Whindersson Nunes
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul: Latest news, rumors surrounding the anticipated fight
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