Mike Tyson is ready to face Jake Paul in a boxing match at 8 p.m. ET Friday on Netflix, however the fireworks began early. Of their last faceoff earlier than the bout, “Iron Mike” slapped the social media star earlier than safety jumped in to separate them.
It is simply the most recent second to return from one of the crucial weird matchups in fight sports activities historical past.
Friday’s combat pits one of many biggest (and most intimidating) fighters of all time in opposition to a social media star who took up boxing solely lately. Whereas it does appear a bit ridiculous — let’s be actual right here — there may be nonetheless intrigue in what transpires at AT&T Stadium outdoors Dallas.
Right here’s what you want to know.
Who precisely are these fighters?
“Iron Mike” is a Boxing Corridor of Famer who was the undisputed world heavyweight champion from 1987 to 1990. He was identified for his brutal knockouts, as his first 19 fights ended early — 12 within the first spherical. At 20 years, 4 months and 22 days outdated, he was the youngest heavyweight champion ever.
Tyson has not fought professionally since he misplaced to Kevin McBride within the sixth spherical in 2005. He’s 58 years outdated.
Paul, 27, is a social media star with greater than 27 million Instagram followers and almost 21 million YouTube subscribers. He made his skilled boxing debut in 2020, knocking out fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib within the first spherical. He has since amassed a 10-1 file with wins over former UFC stars Ben Askren, Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley, Nate Diaz and Mike Perry. His lone loss is a break up resolution final yr in opposition to boxer Tommy Fury, the half-brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
What’s the full combat card?
Whereas no ring stroll time for the principle occasion has been introduced, Paul and Tyson are anticipated to face off round 11 p.m. ET. The next fights will happen earlier than the principle occasion:
- Katie Taylor (champion) vs. Amanda Serrano, for the undisputed light-weight title
- Mario Barrios (champion) vs. Abel Ramos, for the WBC welterweight title
- Shadasia Inexperienced vs. Melinda Watpool, for the vacant WBO tremendous middleweight title
- Lucas Bahdi vs. Armando Casamonica, light-weight
- Bruce Carrington vs. Dana Coolwell, featherweight
- Neeraj Goyat vs. Whindersson Nunes, middleweight
Is that this a totally sanctioned combat?
Sure. The Texas Division of Licensing and Regulation has sanctioned the occasion. There’ll, nevertheless, be a number of small modifications in contrast with different heavyweight fights.
The primary occasion might be eight two-minute rounds as a substitute of 10 or 12 three-minute rounds, and each fighters will put on 14-ounce gloves fairly than 10-ounce gloves.
As a result of it’s sanctioned, the consequence will rely of their data.
Wasn’t this combat purported to occur final summer season?
Sure. It was initially scheduled for July 20, however Tyson suffered an ulcer flareup whereas he was on a flight that postponed it.
On “Countdown: Paul vs Tyson,” a pre-fight documentary, Tyson described intimately what he went via.
“I had a giant ulcer, 2½ inches, and it was bleeding,” Tyson mentioned. “All my pals had been calling me like I used to be dying. I requested the physician if I used to be going to die, and he or she didn’t say ‘No.’ … You wouldn’t consider what I endured from my ulcer. I misplaced 26 kilos.”
What they’re saying
Tyson and Paul each spoke with the media throughout their last information convention Wednesday. Right here had been among the highlights:
Paul on what goes via his thoughts when he thinks of classic Tyson: “I concern no man, so I would like him to be that outdated savage Mike. He says he’s going to kill me. I’m prepared. I would like that killer. I would like the toughest match potential Friday evening, and I would like there to be no excuses from everybody at house after I knock him out.”
Paul on whether or not there may be any probability the combat goes to a call: “No, somebody’s getting put to sleep. It’s going to be a struggle, and we’re each heavy hitters. It’s not going the total 16 minutes.”
Paul on his critics: “I’m blessed to be within the place I’m, to be extremely criticized. That simply means I’m doing one thing proper. Nobody has had a boxing profession like mine. It’ll be studied and judged, however I’ve risen to the highest in 4 years as a result of I’ve taken dangers. I used to be the underdog all the way in which up till Nate Robinson, and that’s one thing that folks don’t bear in mind [and] don’t give any credit score to, however I put it on the road in opposition to among the finest within the sport each single time. That’s why I’m right here on Netflix in opposition to the largest identify in boxing proper now.”
Tyson on being again within the ring at 58: “I’m simply able to combat. I’ve mentioned every little thing I needed to say. There’s nothing else to say. I’m simply wanting ahead to combating.”
Tyson on what he would do if he loses: “I’m not going to lose.”
