Two different generations of boxing are coming together on November 15th, 2024 — at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the legendary Mike Tyson will step into the ring against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Was that on anyone’s 2024 bingo? Yeah, probably not.
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Initially slated for July 20th, 2024, the match faced a setback when Tyson experienced an ulcer flare-up in late May, during a flight from Miami to Los Angeles, leading to a postponement. Despite the delay, both fighters remained committed; even Tyson, after losing nearly 12 kilograms during his recovery, was determined to keep the deal.
Ultimately, the fight was rescheduled for November 15th. This matchup, which will be streamed live on Netflix, has ignited active discussions across the boxing community, as well as a spectrum of reactions, with many expressing astonishment at the pairing.
UFC President Dana White has expressed rather strong disapproval of the upcoming boxing match between Tyson and Paul. In an interview on the “Flagrant” podcast, White stated: “When this fight happens, Tyson will be 58 f***ing years old. A f***ing almost 60-year-old man shouldn’t be fighting a 27-year-old guy. Under any circumstances. Even if it’s Mike Tyson. It’s just f***ing ridiculous.”
Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping didn’t mince words either, labeling the fight “pathetic” and criticizing Paul for choosing to fight a “pensioner” instead of a more age-appropriate opponent. “Challenge yourself, you pathetic man, you pathetic individual. Fighting is about challenging yourself. Granted, business. Killing it in that regard — but don’t give me this fighter bullshit. That’s what gets on my nerves.”
At Paul’s announcement on X, Bisping commented: “You should be ashamed of yourself. And the biggest joke is you don’t even slightly realize why.”
Despite the skepticism, the fight has garnered significant attention, with some experts backing Tyson due to his all-enduring experience, while others favor Paul, citing Tyson’s age and Paul’s active competition.
This fight is set for eight two-minute rounds, with both fighters wearing 14-ounce gloves. These modifications aim to balance the significant age difference between the two, which is 31 years. This surpasses the previous record held by the 1963 match between 49-year-old Archie Moore and 25-year-old Mike DiBiase, which had a 24-year age gap. However, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has sanctioned this as a professional fight, which adds full legitimacy to this perhaps unconventional duo.
The undercard features a highly anticipated rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano for the undisputed junior welterweight championship. Additionally, WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios will defend his title against Abel Ramos.
Iron Mike’s Power of Experience
A new broom can still sweep, but the old broom knows all the corners.
Mike Tyson, at 58, holds a professional record of 50 wins, 6 losses, and 44 knockouts. Known famously as “The Baddest Man on the Planet”, Tyson is a legitimate piece of boxing history, up there with Sugar Ray Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquaio. His power allowed him to become the youngest heavyweight champion at only 20 years old — a record he still holds.
Despite stepping out of the professional spotlight in 2005, Tyson’s return to the ring in 2020 for the exhibition bout “Lockdown Exhibition” with Roy Jones Jr. proved the old adage: “Once iron, always iron.” At 54, he still surprised the world with his agility against Jones and reminded fans worldwide of his well-ripened talent. While it was unsanctioned and didn’t go on either fighters’ records, this exhibition drew over a million pay-per-view buys, proving that Tyson’s appeal hadn’t waned over time and that even with age, his power clearly remained.
Tyson’s journey began at 13 when he met Cus D’Amato, who would then become both a mentor and a father figure. Under D’Amato’s guidance, Tyson’s professional debut in 1985 set the tone for his career, as he won his first fight with a first-round TKO. Tyson went on to amass an astonishing 19-0 record — all knockouts — by the time he was 20.
In 1986, Tyson’s career reached its first historic milestone. At just 20 years and four months old, he knocked out Trevor Berbick in the second round, becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history. Tyson’s reign continued as he unified the WBC, WBA, and IBF titles, making him the undisputed heavyweight champion by 1988. During this golden era, Tyson’s fights were often selling out arenas. His 91-second knockout of Michael Spinks in 1988 not only cemented his reputation but also made him a household name, earning him the largest purse in boxing at that time: a staggering $20 million.
Tyson’s meteoric rise was followed by a series of well-documented setbacks. In 1990, he faced his first professional defeat in a shocking upset against 42-1 underdog Buster Douglas in Tokyo. This loss shattered his aura of invincibility and led to a period of turbulence in his personal and professional life. By 1992, Tyson was convicted of rape and sentenced to six years in prison, serving three. Many thought his career was over.
Upon his release in 1995, Tyson made a triumphant return, winning his next four fights. His much-hyped bout against Frank Bruno in 1996 saw Tyson reclaim the WBC heavyweight title, and later that year, he defeated Bruce Seldon to regain the WBA title, becoming a two-time heavyweight champion. However, the next chapter of his career would be marked by one of boxing’s most infamous moments: the 1997 “Bite Fight” against Evander Holyfield, where Tyson, frustrated and desperate, bit Holyfield’s ear twice, leading to his disqualification. The incident cost Tyson his boxing license temporarily and is still one of the most talked-about events in sports.
Even as Tyson’s career declined in the early 2000s, his appeal never faded. His fights with Lennox Lewis in 2002 and Danny Williams in 2004 were among the highest-grossing pay-per-view events of their time, proving that Iron Mike still held sway over the boxing world — a reminder that some legends are just too ironclad to fade.
Mike himself is clear on why he’s returning to the ring: because he wants to. “This fight is not going to change my life or my finances or nothing. I’m Mike Tyson. I want to do this,” Tyson told actress and boxing fan Rosie Perez in an interview. This comeback isn’t about ego or legacy, Tyson insists, but excitement. He sees this as a chance to unite his timeless star power with Paul’s massive social media following for a show that bridges generations. Tyson quipped, “You got a YouTuber that has 70 million fans, and I’m the greatest fighter since the beginning of life, so what does that make? That makes an explosion of excitement.”
Tyson’s approach to his return has been thorough. Despite being 58, he’s committed to sparring and training with fighters of all sizes and styles. He admits that while age may have slowed his reaction times, his unique experience and self-discipline do carry him forward.
Since 2017, Tyson has undergone a personal transformation, influenced by using “toad venom” (a powerful psychedelic) under the guidance of a shaman, which Tyson credits with giving him a fresh perspective on life, death, and the pursuit of happiness. “It’s good to be afraid because you realize there’s nothing to be afraid of. That’s what the toad is all about: dying with dignity, and not being afraid of dying. Fear is your friend, but your mind is not, so you have to control your mind.”
On the question of whether he’s intimidated by Paul’s much-hyped punching power, Tyson’s confidence is unshaken. Having faced the most fearsome punchers in boxing history, Tyson shrugged off any comparison to Paul’s hits: “He can’t hit harder than anyone I ever fought.”
Tyson’s rightful confidence stems from decades of experience, a lifetime of resilience, and gift of being both student and master of the sport. In the ring, Tyson knows that he’s competing not only against Paul but also against the expectations of a world that will remember his legendary career forever — but that it’s not about legacy. “What do I care about my legacy? I never knew what a legacy was until people started throwing that word around so loosely. A legacy sounds like ego to me.”
When asked if he could fight anyone from the past, Tyson’s surprising answer was, “Me.” He expressed a deep curiosity about how his older self would fare against his younger self in the ring. It’s an introspective statement that speaks to the constant evolution he seeks, even at this stage in his life — which we have the gift of seeing unfold live.
Enter: The Problem Child
Jake Paul may have started off as a controversial internet sensation, but currently, he’s possibly one of the most determined figures in modern boxing. With a record of 10 wins, 1 loss, and 7 knockouts, Paul has not only brought millions of eyes to the sport but has positioned himself as a genuine contender, challenging the traditional perceptions of who belongs in the ring.
Starting on Vine before gaining fame on YouTube, Paul quickly garnered a massive following for his outlandish antics and high-energy content. But when he stepped into boxing, it wasn’t just for the show — Paul turned heads in 2018 when he fought his first sanctioned bout, winning via TKO, and went professional in 2020. Detractors assumed he’d be little more than a “celebrity boxer”, but Paul was dead set on breaking that label, committing himself to training with top coaches and athletes in the sport. He aims to become a world champion in boxing, explore MMA, and ultimately venture into the NFL.
Within a few years, Paul has shown a level of commitment that even seasoned fighters can’t ignore. He faced former UFC champion Tyron Woodley twice, knocking him out cold in their rematch. Paul’s fight with Tommy Fury in early 2023 was another key milestone. Although Paul lost by split decision, he handled the defeat by calling it a “lesson” and doubling down on his training afterward. The fight drew millions of pay-per-view buys, highlighting his undeniable ability to attract mainstream attention. Despite his inexperience compared to Fury, who comes from a boxing family, Paul’s close performance further bolstered his credibility as a boxer willing to take on authentic challenges.
In addition to his growing skill set, Paul has become a powerhouse in terms of earnings and viewership. He has headlined multiple pay-per-view events that have collectively generated millions in revenue. His bouts with Woodley alone reportedly brought in 500,000 pay-per-view buys, and his 2021 fight with former MMA fighter Ben Askren garnered similar numbers. Paul’s financial contributions have made him one of the most profitable boxers, with Forbes estimating that he earned $40 million from boxing alone in 2021, making him one of the highest-paid boxers of the year.
In just a few years, Paul has transformed from a “celebrity boxer” into an influential, profitable, and increasingly skilled contender. And Paul isn’t just about self-promotion; he’s also worked to elevate other fighters and causes. A vocal supporter of women’s boxing, Paul co-promoted Amanda Serrano’s fight against Katie Taylor in 2022, helping to create one of the biggest women’s boxing events in history. His dedication has reshaped public perception, particularly as he continues to advocate for better fighter pay and healthcare in the sport, which are causes rarely championed by boxers in his position.
Still, the critics are plenty — yet, he thrives on it. His self-styled “Problem Child” persona gives him the audacity to aim higher than many would dare. He uses every bit of the criticism to fuel his drive. Paul’s marketing genius is undeniable: by pulling fans from the digital age into the boxing world, he’s revitalized interest in the sport among younger audiences, tapping into his YouTube roots to bring boxing to an entirely new demographic.
As Jake Paul enters the ring on November 15th, 2024, let it be known that he’s fighting every expectation against him as well. Facing Mike Tyson means facing the collective doubts of a world. This is his chance to cement himself as a real contender who can hold his own against a legend. For Paul, victory would be validation; defeat, a reminder of what still lies ahead.
Stepping into the ring again at 58, Tyson isn’t here to reclaim past glory — he’s here to face an ambitious fighter from an entirely different world, a fresh energy and an audience Mike has never known. This fight is deeply personal for him as well; it’s a chance to show the world that Iron Mike’s fire still burns.
Real Fight or Reel Fight?
The fight between Paul and Tyson has ignited discussions among fighters, enthusiasts and casual observers as well. Central to these conversations is a prevailing skepticism: Is this fight a genuine athletic contest or a choreographed exhibition designed for entertainment?
Former WBC super-middleweight Carl Froch has openly criticized the fight, suggesting that contractual agreements may ensure Paul cannot lose. In an interview with GB News, Froch said, “I think it’s a scripted fight and will last three or four rounds. Jake Paul will definitely win; Tyson might start well but then he’ll fall over. […] I don’t think Jake can take any credit, but I’m sure he will. I’m sure he’ll tell everyone until their ears are bleeding that he’s beaten Mike Tyson.”
Boxing’s rich history is not without its controversies. Notable instances, such as the 1947 bout between Jake LaMotta and Billy Fox, have been marred by allegations of match-fixing. LaMotta suffered a surprising fourth-round technical knockout. The New York State Athletic Commission, suspecting foul play, withheld the fighters’ purses and launched an investigation. Years later, LaMotta confessed to deliberately losing the fight under pressure from mob influences, aiming to secure a future title shot.
Under similar scrutiny has been Mike Tyson’s own 1995 comeback fight against Peter McNeeley, billed as “He’s Back”, which took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. This marked Tyson’s return to professional boxing after serving over three years in prison following his 1992 conviction for rape.
The fight concluded swiftly, lasting only 89 seconds. McNeeley charged at Tyson immediately after the opening bell. Tyson evaded McNeeley’s punches and landed a right hook, sending McNeeley to the canvas within the first 10 seconds. After a standing eight count, McNeeley resumed his aggressive approach but was knocked down again by a Tyson right uppercut. At this point, McNeeley’s manager, Vinnie Vecchione, entered the ring to stop the fight, leading to McNeeley’s disqualification.
Critics argued that McNeeley, despite his impressive record, was not a suitable opponent for Tyson’s highly anticipated return. The fight’s outcome fueled debates about the quality of matchmaking. But despite the controversy, the event was a financial success, grossing over $96 million worldwide, including a U.S. record $63 million from pay-per-view purchases. The fight was purchased by 1.52 million homes, setting both viewership and revenue records at the time.
The Paul vs. Tyson fight has many questioning whether it’s more about spectacle and numbers than authentic athletic competition. Observers are understandably cautious, given combat sports’ history (see: wrestling) of high-profile matches where entertainment occasionally overshadowed integrity. Some worry the fight could lean toward theatrics, diminishing the credibility of the sport.
However, as the fight approaches, fans can only hope that both men enter the ring with genuine intent, delivering a performance worthy of their respective names. If both fighters bring their best, the Paul vs. Tyson match could become a memorable chapter in boxing’s evolving narrative, bringing us a clash of generations previously unseen.
Our Fighters’ Predictions
In the lead-up to the fight, SlotsFighter reached out to some of the top fighters locally to get their take on this unique show. Here’s what they had to say:
Daņiks Vesņenoks
- Win: Paul
- Number of Rounds: Not sure
- KO: Possible
Daņiks weighs in: “I think Paul will win, although I’m a Tyson fan myself,” he shares. For Vesņenoks, Paul’s youth and recent competitive experience give him the edge. “Paul is a young professional who is competing with other equally young UFC fighters. Tyson is close to being 60 years old,” he points out. Vesņenoks is also wary of seeing a knockout, adding, “I don’t know if there will be a knockout. There is a possibility. But I wouldn’t want Paul to knock Tyson out.”
Aleksandrs Čižovs
- Win: Paul
- Number of Rounds: 3-4
- KO: Yes
Francis Rozentāls
- Win: Paul
- Number of Rounds: 8
- KO: Possible
Francis Rozentāls also leans toward a realistic view of the matchup, though his heart is with Tyson. “I want Tyson to win, but he’s 58 and Paul is 27,” he admits, highlighting the advantages that Paul has on his side, including “all the resources, coaches, and the best sparring partners” to train at a professional level.
Still, Rozentāls doesn’t discount Tyson’s potential, acknowledging, “Mike has that animal in him. He can land a hit that will put Paul down.” However, he points out that the 14-ounce gloves might make a knockout harder to achieve. Ultimately, Rozentāls hopes for a full eight rounds and, most importantly, “that Mike is safe afterwards.”
Ralfs Vilcāns
- Win: Paul
- Number of Rounds: 3-4
- KO: Yes
“If it’s not fabricated and theatrical, and if they don’t have to pull their punches, Jake is still physically strong. He should win. Both will probably kill some time, though,” says Ralfs Vilcāns, hinting at the potential for the event to lean into entertainment over competition.
While it’s publicly stated that knockouts are allowed, Vilcāns notes, “that doesn’t necessarily mean the same has been arranged between them.”
Dominykas Dirkstys
- Win: Paul
- Number of Rounds: 3
- KO: 50/50
Matīss Zaharovs
- Win: Paul
- Number of Rounds: Not sure
- KO: Possible
Matīss Zaharovs offers a straightforward prediction: “If Tyson doesn’t knock Paul out early, Jake’s going to win by decision.” For Zaharovs, the fight hinges on Tyson’s ability to land a decisive blow in the early rounds. He suggests that if the bout extends, Paul’s stamina and training might give him the edge in a decision victory.
Kristaps Zutis
- Win: Paul
- Number of Rounds: Not sure
- KO: Not sure
“I’m not following this event. Sure, I’ll take a look, because it’s my industry…” Despite his disinterest in the event itself, Zutis shares a deep admiration for Tyson, saying, “I love Tyson, I look up to him, and I’m very happy that he’s going to make a lot of money.”
As for the fight’s outcome, Zutis is blunt in his assessment: “Tyson has 0 chance.”
