Bizarro World: Paul v Tyson Preview And Prediction

Yes, it’s actually happening. Former two-time world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson laces up the gloves one more time to take on YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday night (Saturday morning SA time).

6 AM Saturday SA time

Jake Paul (1.46) v Mike Tyson (2.70) (Heavyweight)

It’s the fight nobody asked for.

Paul has for the last few years dedicated himself to boxing but is still an outsider due to his obsession with sideshow fights. He’s faced a fellow YouTuber, a former NBA player, five over-the-hill former UFC fighters and two journeymen boxers few had ever heard of.

He lost his only bout against a legitimate boxer Tommy Fury on points last February and continues to pick bizarre, favourable matchups over true challenges inside the squared circle. By now, Paul’s boxing career is what it is, but he’s truly ramped up the ridiculous this time by dragging 58-year-old Tyson out of retirement. 

And yet, being the curious creatures that we are, up to 90,000 spectators are expected to fill up the stadium and millions will watch the bout on Netflix, who has done a great job marketing the bout to casual fans as “the fight the world’s been waiting for.”

The pair were originally set to face off in July, but the fight had to be postponed after the former baddest man on the planet suffered a medical emergency. It’s left many concerned for the boxing icon’s health and wondering how the farcical fight, scheduled for eight two-minute rounds, was approved.

Be that as it may, we have 27-year-old Paul in one corner with a record of 10-1 with seven knockouts. A full 31 years younger than Tyson, he’s on a four-fight win streak with his last three wins – over Andre August, Ryan Bourland and Mike Perry – coming by KO.

“The Problem Child” has definitely improved during his pugilistic journey, but he’s still far from a top-notch boxer. What he is, is big and strong and blessed with one-punch knockout power. He’s also athletic, uber-confident and lives for big moments.

Usually fighting at cruiserweight, he’s packed on extra pounds for this, his first fight at heavyweight where he’ll not only be the younger but also the bigger man, standing four inches taller than Tyson and having a five-inch reach advantage.

In the other corner, you have Tyson, the former two-time heavyweight king and the youngest man to ever win the heavyweight title at 20 back in 1986. One of the most iconic boxers of all time and the most ferocious fighter to step foot inside the ring, “Iron” has a record of 50-6 with 44 knockouts. 

Tyson had an exhibition bout with fellow legend Roy Jones Jr four years ago but hasn’t had a professional fight in 19 years. He still looks like a savage in the training footage he’s released but one can’t help to wonder what he has left in the tank if the fight goes long.

Yes, he’s almost 60 and has lost a lot of attributes that made him great, but the last thing to go from a fighter is power and as one of the greatest punchers in heavyweight history, Tyson remains a risky fight for Paul.

He still has his famous head movement, explosive bursts and combinations. However, those explosive bursts will empty his gas tank rapidly, so he’ll have to pick his spots. That’ll prove tough for Tyson when the adrenaline flows and he once again feels the thrill of the fight, so expect him to come out like an uncaged animal.

One thing to watch for: Tyson leads with a left hook a lot, which opens up a chance for Paul to beat him to the punch with a right hand.

Prediction: Can Tyson, with his explosiveness and vastly superior skill and technique, catch Paul? Absolutely, especially early on, so if you have a feel extra bucks, back the legend by knockout at 3.50. Having said that, I don’t think Tyson will be able to endure a lot of punishment at his age, especially as he gets tired. Thus, my pick is Paul by knockout.

Best Bet: Paul by KO/TKO/DQ at 2.40.