Jake Paul and Mike Tyson are gearing up for their highly anticipated boxing match.
Paul, a YouTuber-turned-boxer, has spent the last four years building his reputation in the ring, primarily against former MMA fighters such as Ben Askren, Anderson Silva, Nate Diaz, and Tyron Woodley. This week, however, he faces a new challenge in the form of former heavyweight world champion Tyson, who is making his professional boxing comeback after nearly two decades.
Tyson did participate in an exhibition match with Roy Jones Jr in 2020, which ended predictably in a draw. However, his upcoming fight with Paul will have different rules, including allowing knockdowns. Here’s everything you need to know about these two fighters before their showdown on Friday…
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Jake Paul
Paul made his boxing debut in 2018 when he faced off against YouTube rival Deji in Manchester, fighting on the undercard of his brother Logan’s first bout with KSI. Paul defeated Deji in the fifth round, marking the beginning of his boxing career that has now led him to Texas – and Tyson.
Paul continued his winning streak by defeating another social media star, AnEsonGib, in his first professional fight in Miami in 2020. He then went on to secure victories over other athletes, including NBA star Nate Robinson and MMA fighters Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley (twice), and Anderson Silva.
Paul faced his first real challenge in the boxing ring against Tommy Fury, brother of ex-heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury. Despite knocking Fury down, Paul lost on points, with two judges favoring the British boxer.
Tyson hasn’t fought professionally in 19 years (
AFP via Getty Images)
He bounced back with a victory over UFC icon Nate Diaz and then proved his commitment to boxing by defeating Ryan Bourland and Andre August. His most recent bout was a sixth-round knockout win over bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry, who filled in when Tyson had to delay his own match with Paul until this Friday.
Until now, Paul has competed as a cruiserweight, but he’s bulked up for his showdown with Tyson and is expected to weigh in at approximately 220lb on Thursday. Although likely to be around 10lb lighter than the heavyweight legend, the YouTuber will have a five-inch reach advantage when they face off in the Texas ring on Friday night.
Mike Tyson
Tyson’s illustrious career hardly needs an introduction. He made history as the youngest-ever heavyweight champion when he won via second-round stoppage in 1986.
Tyson remained undefeated until a shocking loss to James ‘Buster’ Douglas in Japan in 1990. He reclaimed the world champion title by knocking out Frank Bruno in Las Vegas in 1996, but his career took another controversial turn when he bit Evander Holyfield’s ear during their 1997 rematch after losing their initial bout the previous year.
Tyson’s dream of becoming a three-time champion was dashed when he lost to his arch-nemesis Lennox Lewis in 2002. He stepped into the ring thrice more, defeating Clifford Etienne before succumbing to Danny Williams. His last professional bout – until now – ended with him conceding defeat after five rounds against Kevin McBride.
Four years ago, Tyson made a comeback, squaring off against fellow boxing icon Roy Jones Jr. in an eight-round match held privately amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite being widely perceived as the victor, the fight was declared a draw by the judges.
It seemed like Tyson’s career had reached its end – until Paul challenged the heavyweight titan. The New Yorker has kept himself in remarkable shape and is anticipated to weigh in close to his final fights from his initial career.
