The boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, initially scheduled for 10 July, 2024, has been officially postponed to 15 November due to Tyson’s health issues. At the age of 58, the former heavyweight champion was diagnosed with an ulcer crisis, which forced him to stop training. In a statement to Netflix, Tyson thanked fans for their support and explained that his doctor recommended a break from training to ensure his full recovery.
Jake Paul, 27, expressed full support for the postponement, emphasizing that he wants to face Tyson in top form. “My fans know that I want to fight Iron Mike at his maximum capacity, and when he steps into the ring, I will be prepared to secure a memorable victory,” said Paul. In his last fight, on 20 July, Paul defeated Mike Perry via TKO in the sixth round.
The fight between Paul and Tyson will be held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, a venue with a capacity of more than 80,000 people. This event has everything to gain a lot of audiences, combining the legend Tyson, who hasn’t fought professionally since 2005, with Paul, who has a record of 9-1, including wins against former UFC stars such as Nate Diaz, Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley.
The expectation for the fight is high, and bookmakers have already released the odds: Jake Paul is the favourite, with odds of -240 on DraftKings, while Tyson is with +180. However, the fight still has many uncertainties, especially regarding the physical form of Tyson, who has already been seen using a cane due to health problems in the sciatic nerve.
In Texas, where the fight will take place, sports betting is not legal, which creates an interesting dynamic for the promotion of the event, especially considering the historical relationship between boxing and betting. Even so, Paul, co-founder of Betr, his own sports betting company, will likely use the opportunity to promote his brand.
Netflix will be responsible for the live broadcast of the event, available to all subscribers of the platform. Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting at $75. Anticipation is high, especially since this will be Tyson’s first fight since his showing against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020, which ended in a draw.
Tyson, who was one of the greatest heavyweights in boxing history, now returns in a fight that challenges his age and physical condition. With a difference in height and reach from Paul, Tyson faces the challenge of adapting to a younger, taller opponent. However, Tyson has a lot of experience fighting taller opponents, having done so many times throughout his career. The fight will be at heavyweight, a category in which Tyson has always competed, while Paul, who fights as a cruiserweight, will need to adjust.
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