Mike Tyson will face Jake Paul in one of the most anticipated and polarizing boxing matches of 2024, at the AT and T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Tyson has not fought a professional match since 2005. The fight will be streamed on Netflix, to its 280 million subscribers at no extra charge. The weigh-in also had its fair share of drama as Tyson beat Jake. The incident occurred when the pair approached each other and the YouTuber stepped on the former boxer’s foot.

Meanwhile, Tyson also credited his u-turn in retirement to hallucinations from toad venom, revealing that God approached him and asked him to make a comeback.

Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul: Everything you need to know

Mike Tyson, Jake Paul’s Boxing Records

Tyson has a 50-6 professional record, with 44 knockouts and two no-contests. Meanwhile, Jake has a pro record of 10-1 with seven knockouts, but most of his opponents are former UFC fighters and not boxers. His opponents also include YouTuber Ali Eson Gib and Nate Robinson, who is a former NBA player.

Paul’s only defeat came last year against Tommy Fury, who is the half-brother of ex-world champion Tyson Fury.

This is also Paul’s debut fight at heavyweight. On November 7, Netflix premiered the first two episodes of Countdown: Paul vs. Tyson, with the third and final episode following on November 12.

During his professional career, Tyson was one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. He was the undisputed world heavyweight champion from 1987 to 1990. He won his first 19 professional bouts by knockout, 12 of them in the first round. He received his first belt at 20 years, four months and 22 years old. He also holds the record as the youngest boxer in the world to win a heavyweight title. He was also the first heavyweight boxer to simultaneously hold the WBA, WBC and IBF titles, as well as the only heavyweight to unify them consecutively.

Prize money:

According to reports, Jake will be paid $40 million for the fight. Tyson will receive US$20 million and revealed that he did not accept it because of the money.

Age criticism

The upcoming bout has also drawn criticism due to Tyson’s age. The boxing legend is 58 years old, compared to Paul, who is 27. They were also originally scheduled to fight on July 20, but that was postponed because Tyson had to be treated for a stomach ulcer. He also reportedly lost 26 kilos during the recovery process.

Tyson’s last professional fight was 19 years ago, where he lost to Irishman Kevin McBride. His last exhibition fight in 2020 against Roy Jones ended in an unofficial draw.

British promoter Eddie Hearn called it “dangerous”. Speaking to the BBC, he said, “I’m in awe of him. He’s one of my favorite fighters ever, one of the greatest of all time, but he’s a 58-year-old man.”

“You only have to talk to him and look at him to know that this guy shouldn’t be in a ring again.”

“Everybody loves a dollar bill, including me, but sometimes the green-eyed monster can make you make some bad decisions and I think this is one of them,” he added.

Battle rules

Many states refused to sanction the game, and Texas accepted. It will count against the fighter’s record as a professional match. The gloves will weigh four ounces more than those used by professional heavyweights. It will offer greater protection for the fighters. The fight will have eight scheduled rounds and will last two minutes each, rather than the traditional three in men’s professional boxing.

What did they say?

Speaking ahead of the bout, Jake said: “I think they’re adoring fans of Mike Tyson. And I’m the new kid on the block, the disruptive, loud, polarizing figure. And I’ve built my career that people naturally want to fight against me, and it’s good for the sport of boxing.”

In August, Paul said, “I’m here to make $40 million and knock out a legend.”

“I’m the anti-hero and people will soon love me when they realize what I’ve done for this sport and who I really am….”

Meanwhile, Tyson said: “I’ve been through so many ups and downs since my last fight with Kevin McBride. I’ve been in rehab. I’ve been in jail, locked up. Never in a million years did I think I’d be doing this .”

“That old Mike Tyson … he has no more purpose in my life. He just doesn’t exist. I’m having a good time in my life. I don’t have much time left, so I” I’m having the time of my life “, he added.

What did others say?

In The Guardian, boxing writer Donald McRae wrote: “The idea that he (Paul) would share a ring with the most famous boxer the world has seen since Muhammad Ali is an embarrassment.”

Tyson Fury told YouTube channel ProBoxingFans, “Anyone who doesn’t think it’s a great event is jealous.”