Date: November 15, 2024, 09:15h.
Last updated: November 15, 2024, 09:16h.
Jake Paul and Mike Tyson are set to face off at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, tonight around 11 pm EST. The 27-year-old social media star and boxer will take on the 58-year-old former heavyweight champion.
Concerns have been raised about the fight’s integrity since Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced the bout with Tyson in March. Originally scheduled for July, the fight was postponed until tonight due to Tyson’s health issues.
The last time Tyson fought professionally was in June 2005 when he retired after the sixth round against Kevin McBride. Tyson admitted he only took the fight for the money and didn’t expect to win.
“I do not have the guts to be in this sport anymore,” Tyson said at the time. “I don’t want to disrespect the sport that I love. My heart is not into this anymore. I’m sorry for the fans who paid for this.”
Tyson ended his professional career with a record of 50-6, with 44 wins by knockout.
Almost two decades later, Tyson is back in the ring to face a much younger opponent in a professional boxing match.
Boxing or WWE?
MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian denies claims that tonight’s fight is scripted or for entertainment purposes only.
Bidarian dismissed allegations of fraud, stating that the fight is legitimate and legal for betting. He emphasized that the critics questioning the fight’s authenticity do not understand the consequences of such actions.
The weigh-in on the previous day did little to dispel doubts about the fight’s authenticity. Tyson surprised many by slapping Paul during their face-off.
Despite being sanctioned in Texas, nine states have prohibited their licensed sportsbooks from taking bets on the fight.
States including Colorado, Connecticut, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont are not accepting bets on the Tyson vs. Paul match.
Nevada deemed the fight eligible for sports betting, while the eight banned states disagreed.
A WWE official mentioned that the wrestling league is not pursuing inclusion in sports betting due to its scripted nature.
“We’re scripted,” said Mark Shapiro, a WWE executive. “We’re not looking to involve sports betting in our scripted events.”
Ensuring Tyson’s Safety
Due to concerns about Tyson’s age, the fight will use 14-ounce gloves instead of the standard 10-ounce gloves for heavyweight matches to provide additional cushioning and reduce the impact of punches.
Boxing enthusiasts are worried about Tyson’s well-being despite his retirement. Many fear that his comeback could tarnish his legacy, especially against a much younger opponent like Paul.
Paul and MVP insist that tonight’s event is a genuine boxing match. The Texas authorities are overseeing the fight, and licensed boxing judges will determine the outcome.
However, there are speculations that the match could be more of an exhibition than a professional bout, considering the financial gains involved regardless of the fight’s result.
Netflix anticipates a surge in new subscribers to watch the fight. With over 60K tickets sold for $15 million, the Paul vs. Tyson match is already the highest-grossing non-Vegas boxing event in history.
Paul is expected to earn $40 million, while Tyson will receive $21 million. Despite previously declaring bankruptcy, Tyson claims he is fighting not for financial gain.