During a press conference at FanaticsFest Live in New York, “Iron” Mike Tyson and Jake Paul exchanged verbal jabs and a couple of halfhearted shoves. The event was part of the buildup to their highly anticipated fight on November 15.
According to current betting lines, Paul is the current favorite. While many feel Tyson is putting himself at risk for the fight, he may fare better than anticipated.
Key Highlights
- Mike Tyson and Jake Paul held a press conference in New York for their November Netflix bout.
- Tyson is the underdog in betting on Bovada and BetOnline.
- Paul has a height and weight advantage, but Tyson has the experience and appears to be in phenomenal condition.
Tyson and Paul Face Off in New York
Mike Tyson and Jake Paul recently met for a press conference for their November fight at FanaticsFest in New York. The fight will take place on November 15, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
It will be streamed live on Netflix.
The pair started by taking jabs at each other verbally. Paul said New York was like Tyson, saying he was “good 20 years ago.” He also made fun of him having to postpone the bout, saying, “I was ready before. You needed a break. Your tummy hurt still?“
Paul has the age and height advantage, but Tyson is a two-time heavyweight champion and one of the greatest heavyweights in history.
Tyson pointed out that Paul hasn’t fought anyone of note in his career. Of the upcoming fight, Tyson said, “As soon as I catch this guy, it’s going to be totally over; he is going to run. He is going to run like a thief.”
Tyson also pointed out that he has been back in training for a few weeks already and feels ready for the fight. Following the verbal jousting, the pair had their faceoff. Both “shoved” each other, but it was more playful than anything.
Paul tried to show a mean face at times, but neither looked overly agitated.
In some aspects, this looked like a Reality TV promo tour, with a bit of scripted drama but nothing of substance.
Paul Holds the Betting Edge, But Can He Deliver?
If you’re considering betting on the upcoming fight, you can do so on most major sportsbooks.
Bovada and BetOnline are both offering odds on the fight. Bovada has Paul as the favorite at -250, with Tyson at +200. BetOnline has Paul at -330, with Tyson at +255.
This is a stark change in odds from March when Paul was around -500 and Tyson at +325.
Paul enters the fight with a 9-1 record with 6 Knockouts. Tyson has a professional record of 50-6 with 44 knockouts. Paul has the age and height advantage, but Tyson is a two-time heavyweight champion and one of the greatest heavyweights in history.
Tyson Fight May Shock Some People
Many people are criticizing the fight due to Tyson’s age. The 58-year-old has not fought professionally since 2005.
He was last in the ring in 2020 in an exhibition fight with Roy Jones Jr. Some feel this will be a dangerous fight for Tyson and there is no upside for Paul.
I’ve watched some of Tyson’s training films, and while that is not the same as fighting a live person, I see some potential there for Paul to get stopped.
I disagree with the critics for a pair of reasons. First, I watched the 2020 fight live, and while the fight was ruled a “draw,” it was clearly dominated by Tyson. Christy Martin scored the fight 79-73 for Tyson and was the only person who saw the truth.
Tyson was dominant the entire fight, and I didn’t feel he was nearly in the condition he is currently.
I’ve watched some of Tyson’s training films, and while fighting a live person is not the same, I see some potential there for Paul to get stopped.
I disagree with the critics for two reasons: Tyson is in better shape than I’ve seen him for 20 years, and he still appears to have enough power to handle Paul.
This isn’t Evander Holyfield putting up a sad effort against Vitor Belfort. This will be the former “baddest man on the planet” who will be in shape and ready for a fight.
Is it possible that Paul will defeat Tyson and prove the naysayers right? Absolutely. Tyson is pushing 60 after all. However, I still feel that Paul is about to drop to 9-2 and put an end to any serious talks about him being a legitimate boxer.
Sources
https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/boxing/boxing-matches/jake-paul-v-mike-tyson-33332918
https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/articles/cze5yp4ngeeo
https://www.sportsbookreview.com/picks/more-sports/jake-paul-vs-mike-tyson-odds-nov-15-2024/
https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/40909083/mike-tyson-ready-fight-jake-paul-following-health-scare
