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Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) is back, and yes, he’s 58 years old, and yes, he’s well past his prime. However, it’s MIKE TYSON, and in 2024, his name still rings bells.
Tyson will battle Jake Paul(10-1, 7 KOs) on Friday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas(Netflix).
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations will officially sanction the fight. The heavyweight matchup will be contested over eight two-minute rounds with 14oz. Gloves.
Tyson last fought in a sanctioned bout in 2005 when journeyman heavyweight Kevin McBride stopped him.
Paul-Tyson was originally scheduled for the summer but had to be postponed after Tyson had an ulcer flare-up.
Tyson is now ready and can’t wait to fight Paul.
“I’m just ready to fight,” he said at the final press conference on Wednesday. “I’ve said everything I had to say. There’s nothing else to say. I’m just looking forward to fighting.”
The former undisputed heavyweight champion was asked what would happen if he lost, and Tyson made it clear that would not occur.
“I’m not going to lose,” he said.
Paul made it clear this fight will not go the distance.
“Someone’s getting put to sleep,” Paul said. “It’s going to be a war, and we’re both heavy hitters. It’s not going the full 16 minutes.”
Anytime a 58-year-old man steps in the ring against a 27-year-old man, there will always be concerns, but I don’t believe they will allow Tyson to get hurt. This isn’t “Iron Mike” from the 80s and 90s, so Paul should win and win easily.
Prediction: Paul defeats Tyson by TKO in 2nd Round.
The co-main event features undisputed super lightweight champion Katie Taylor (23-1, 6 KOs) vs. unified featherweight champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (47-2-1, 31 KOs) in the most anticipated women’s boxing rematch in history.
Photo: Esther Lin / Most Valuable Promotions)