Jake Paul and Mike Tyson’s enormous showdown on November 15 is now fast approaching, with their controversial fight week antics only just beginning.
The pair are gearing up to headline Netflix’s first ever live boxing event, which will also feature an undisputed clash between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano at the AT&T stadium, Texas.
But while it has been labeled as a professional boxing bout, both Jake Paul and Mike Tyson have agreed to bend the traditional rules a little.
Nevertheless, their spectacle promises to deliver a historic night of entertainment, with a former heavyweight champion and novice fighter colliding for a bizarre but intriguing encounter.
Jake Paul comments on Mike Tyson’s defeat to Kevin McBride
As mentioned previously, Paul vs Tyson – one of this year’s most lucrative sporting occasions – will stray from the rules of professional boxing.
Firstly, the combatants will be wearing 14 ounce gloves, adding an extra four ounces of protection than what heavyweights are typically accustomed to.
Furthermore, the duration of their contest will be significantly reduced, with the pair locking horns for just eight two-minute rounds should it go the distance.
But regardless, several members of the boxing community, including Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn, have expressed their concern for Tyson’s health.
The 58-year-old, after all, has not entered a professional ring since his crushing sixth-round stoppage defeat to Kevin McBride back in 2005.
And yet, despite Tyson’s last meaningful bout ending in such decisive fashion, Paul has defended his opponent’s position against the detractors of their upcoming event.
“That’s what critics do,” Paul said during his face to face with Tyson, responding to comments surrounding the former heavyweight champion’s defeat to McBride. “They sit on their couches – they sit in their homes – and they have so many things to say because they’re unhappy with their lives.
“They’ll try to rip people apart, like me and Mike, who are actually going and f***ing doing something.”
Kevin McBride remains convinced that Mike Tyson can knockout Jake Paul
McBride, too, has subscribed to the narrative that Tyson is still a formidable force, with his explosive power seemingly being the last thing to leave him.
Of course, the former heavyweight has already felt the notorious power of ‘Iron Mike,’ albeit nearly two decades ago.
But still, the Irishman believes that, like boxing legend George Foreman did at the age of 45, Tyson should be able to produce an emphatic finish.
“He hits so hard and power is the last thing to go,” McBride told Bloody Elbow. “George Foreman proved that against Michael Moorer.”