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How to watch, what time it starts, what to expect and more
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How to watch, what time it starts, what to expect and more

One of the most unlikely matchups in boxing history is finally here: Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul on Friday at 8 PM ET on Netflix.

The fight pits one of the greatest (and most intimidating) fighters of all time against a social media star who only took up boxing in recent years. While it seems a bit ridiculous – let’s be honest – there’s still intrigue in what’s unfolding 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 heavyweight champion of the world from 1987 to 1990. Tyson 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 ever heavyweight champion.

Tyson has not fought professionally since losing in the sixth round to Kevin McBride in 2005. He is 58 years old.

Paul is a social media star with more than 27 million Instagram followers and almost 21 million YouTube subscribers. The 27-year-old made his professional boxing debut in 2020, beating fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib in the first round. Since then, he has amassed a 10-1 record with wins including former UFC stars Ben Askren, Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley, Nate Diaz and Mike Perry. His only loss is a split decision to boxer Tommy Fury, the half-brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, in 2023.

What is the full battle card?

While no ring time has been announced for the main event, Paul and Tyson are expected to face each other around 11:00 PM ET. The following fights will take place before the main event:

  • Katie Taylor (c) vs. Amanda Serrano, for the undisputed lightweight title
  • Mario Barrios (c) 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 battle?

Yes, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has approved this event. However, there will be a few minor changes compared to other heavyweight fights.

The main event will consist of eight two-minute rounds instead of ten or twelve three-minute rounds, and both fighters will wear 14-ounce gloves instead of 10-ounce gloves.

Because it is sanctioned, the result will count towards their records.

Shouldn’t this fight have happened last summer?

Yes, the fight was initially scheduled for July 20, but Tyson suffered a flare-up of an ulcer during a flight that postponed the event.

In ‘Countdown: Paul vs Tyson’, a pre-fight documentary, Tyson described in detail what he went through.

“I had a big ulcer, two inches long, 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, but she didn’t say no. …You wouldn’t believe what I went through because of my ulcer. I have lost 26 kilos.”

What they say

Tyson and Paul both spoke to the media at their final press conference on Wednesday. Here were some highlights:

Paul on what goes through his mind when he thinks about vintage Tyson: “I’m not afraid of anyone, so I want him to be that old wild Mike,” he said. ‘He says he’s going to kill me. I’m done. I want that killer. I want the toughest possible match on Friday night and I want there to be no excuses from everyone at home if I knock him out.”

Paul on whether there is a chance that the battle will lead to a decision: ‘No, someone is being put to sleep. It’s going to be war and we’re both heavy fighters. It doesn’t last the full sixteen minutes.”

Paul on his critics: “I’m blessed to be in the position I’m in and to receive a lot of criticism. That just means I’m doing something right. No one has had a boxing career like mine. It will be studied and judged, but I rose to the top in four years because I took risks. I was the underdog up to Nate Robinson and that’s something people don’t remember (and) don’t give any credit to, but I put it on the line every time against some of the best in the sport. That’s why I’m here on Netflix against the biggest name in boxing today.”

Tyson on his return to the ring at the age of 58: “I’m just ready to fight. I said everything I had to say. There’s nothing else to say. I’m just looking forward to fighting.”

Tyson on what he would do if he loses the fight: “I’m not going to lose.”