The former undisputed heavyweight world champion seeks to demonstrate that age is merely a number, while the confident YouTuber aims to illustrate that Tyson’s legacy no longer holds the same significance it once did in the present era.
It is hoped that this bout will surpass the 1971 fight between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali, which was dubbed the “Fight of the Century.” This proposed matchup could be regarded as the 21st Century’s answer to that legendary encounter. The scheduled boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul was postponed from July 2024 due to an ulcer flare-up affecting Tyson.
With additional time to prepare, the two have been utilizing social media to showcase their abilities and engage in competitive rhetoric.
Tyson is back in the ring (TIMOTHY A. CLARY / Contributor / Getty)
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While Paul has spent the majority of his preparation period in a fat suit, there are concerns that he has not devoted sufficient time and attention to his training regimen. This is in contrast to Tyson, who appears to be singularly focused on demonstrating his continued ability.
In advance of the fight’s broadcast on Netflix, spectators have expressed outrage over an ostensibly “significant” rule alteration that has been dubbed a “fix” by some.
The contest is scheduled to take place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has imposed three significant conditions on the fight’s controversial rules. In order for the match between Paul and Tyson to proceed, the participants will be required to wear 14-ounce gloves, rather than the standard 10-ounce gloves typically used in heavyweight bouts. It is reported that gloves of greater weight have greater padding and shock absorption. Additionally, the fight will consist of eight rounds, rather than the customary 12, and will last only two minutes, in contrast to the typical three minutes observed in professional bouts. Three judges will be stationed at ringside to score the fight.As well as complaints that the no headguard rule is unfair due to Tyson being 60 and likely being unable to take a blow to the head, others say the glove weight is aimed at ‘amateurs.’
For many, it’s the two-minute rounds that are being branded as the biggest change, with one simply writing: “The two minute rule is HUGE. At Tyson’s age, a two minute sprint, one minute recovery is much easier than three on, one off.”
Others think it’s skewed for Paul, and when someone asked if they think the fight is legit, another added: “Nope. Two minute rounds . Heavier more padded gloves! This is strictly built for entertaining Jake’s fans. That being said, Tyson in 2.”
Whether Paul vs Tyson is built purely for entertainment or not, we’ll all be tuning in to see whether Iron Mike still has it in him. After all, it’s only been a mere 19 years since he ‘retired’ in 2005.
