Mike Tyson is set to face Jake Paul in a boxing match at 8 p.m. ET Friday on Netflix, but the fireworks started early. In their final faceoff before the bout, “Iron Mike” slapped the social media star before security jumped in to separate them.
It’s just the latest moment to come from one of the most bizarre matchups in combat sports history.
Friday’s fight pits one of the greatest (and most intimidating) fighters of all time against a social media star who took up boxing only in recent years. While it does seem a bit ridiculous — let’s be real here — there is still intrigue in what transpires at AT&T Stadium outside Dallas.
Here’s what you need to know.
Who exactly are these fighters?
“Iron Mike” is a Boxing Hall of Famer who was the undisputed world heavyweight champion from 1987 to 1990. He was known for his brutal knockouts, as his first 19 fights ended early — 12 in the first round. At 20 years, four months and 22 days old, he was the youngest heavyweight champion ever.
Tyson has not fought professionally since he lost to Kevin McBride in the sixth round in 2005. He is 58 years old.
Paul, 27, is a social media star with more than 27 million Instagram followers and nearly 21 million YouTube subscribers. He made his professional boxing debut in 2020, knocking out fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib in the first round. He has since amassed a 10-1 record with wins over former UFC stars Ben Askren, Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley, Nate Diaz and Mike Perry. His lone loss is a split decision last year against boxer Tommy Fury, the half-brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
What is the full fight card?
While no ring walk time for the main event has been announced, Paul and Tyson are expected to face off around 11 p.m. ET. The following fights will take place before the main event:
- Katie Taylor (champion) vs. Amanda Serrano, for the undisputed lightweight title
- Mario Barrios (champion) vs. Abel Ramos, for the WBC welterweight title
- Shadasia Green vs. Melinda Watpool, for the vacant WBO super middleweight title
- Lucas Bahdi vs. Armando Casamonica, lightweight
- Bruce Carrington vs. Dana Coolwell, featherweight
- Neeraj Goyat vs. Whindersson Nunes, middleweight
Is this a fully sanctioned fight?
Yes. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has sanctioned the event. There will, however, be a few small changes compared with other heavyweight fights.
The main event will be eight two-minute rounds instead of 10 or 12 three-minute rounds, and both fighters will wear 14-ounce gloves rather than 10-ounce gloves.
Because it is sanctioned, the result will count in their records.
Wasn’t this fight supposed to happen last summer?
Yes. It was initially scheduled for July 20, but Tyson suffered an ulcer flareup while he was on a flight that postponed it.
On “Countdown: Paul vs Tyson,” a pre-fight documentary, Tyson described in detail what he went through.
“I had a big ulcer, 2½ inches, and it was bleeding,” Tyson said. “All my friends were calling me like I was dying. I asked the doctor if I was going to die, and she didn’t say ‘No.’ … You wouldn’t believe what I endured from my ulcer. I lost 26 pounds.”
What they are saying
Tyson and Paul both spoke with the media during their final news conference Wednesday. Here were some of the highlights:
Paul on what goes through his mind when he thinks of vintage Tyson: “I fear no man, so I want him to be that old savage Mike. He says he’s going to kill me. I’m ready. I want that killer. I want the hardest match possible Friday night, and I want there to be no excuses from everyone at home when I knock him out.”
Paul on whether there is any chance the fight goes to a decision: “No, someone’s getting put to sleep. It’s going to be a war, and we’re both heavy hitters. It’s not going the full 16 minutes.”
Paul on his critics: “I’m blessed to be in the position I am, to be highly criticized. That just means I’m doing something right. No one has had a boxing career like mine. It’ll be studied and judged, but I’ve risen to the top in four years because I’ve taken risks. I was the underdog all the way up until Nate Robinson, and that’s something that people don’t remember [and] don’t give any credit to, but I put it on the line against some of the best in the sport every single time. That’s why I’m here on Netflix against the biggest name in boxing right now.”
Tyson on being back in the ring at 58: “I’m just ready to fight. I’ve said everything I had to say. There’s nothing else to say. I’m just looking forward to fighting.”
