We’re About to Witness Boxing History🥊
When these worlds collide, it’s undeniably healthy for the sport of boxing…
We’re two days out from the most anticipated clash of generations in the last two decades. Jake Paul, the social-media star turned boxer, faces a boxing legend in Mike Tyson at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, this Friday, as the world will eagerly await to witness if Iron Mike still has anything left in his aging tank.
As usual, I’m back to discuss the boxing news festivities. Love or hate it, the fight is seemingly going ahead, despite the age difference, so let’s dive straight into the good, the bad, and the ugly of Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul.
Jake “El Gallo” Paul faces off against Mike Tyson, the Baddest Man on the Planet. What happens when a disruptor and a legend meet in the ring? Watch LIVE on Netflix, Friday Nov 15 8pm ET | 5pm PT.
❤ this tweet for a reminder to tune in so you don’t miss the action #PaulTyson pic.twitter.com/MQGrgaZ76k
— Netflix (@netflix) November 11, 2024
Paul vs. Tyson: The Good
Jake ‘The Problem Child’ Paul is a marketing genius and social media megastar, while Mike Tyson is among the top two most recognized names in boxing history, alongside Muhammad Ali. When these worlds collide, it’s undeniably healthy for the sport of boxing.
Old-school boxing purists aren’t going to like it, and a fair few will refuse to watch Friday’s highly anticipated Netflix boxing showdown. However, we must face the facts, and boxing numbers haven’t been great over the last decade, particularly since the rise of the UFC.
How does Paul vs. Tyson fix this problem?
Well, it’s quite simple: Generation Z, who’ll be on this planet long after past generations, need to find a reason to enjoy boxing. Jake Paul, whose fan base predominantly comprises Gen Z’ers, is the perfect catalyst to restore interest in the sport for generations to come.
The truth hurts sometimes, but if it takes Jake Paul to be one of the faces in boxing, to keep the sport from dying, then so be it. The variables surrounding Tyson vs. Paul might not please us older fans, but there’s a market for it, and those boys who look up to male influencers are being turned into boxing fans, which does nothing but good in the long run.
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson. It’s on Netflix. Not Pay-Per-View.
LIVE this Friday November 15, 8pm ET / 5pm PT #PaulTyson pic.twitter.com/HQM1Q0J9b1
— Netflix (@netflix) November 11, 2024
The Problem Child vs. Iron Mike: The Bad
I hate to be a negative Nancy here, but I have a list longer than my arm of negative opinions on this fight. We don’t have all evening to hear my rant, so we’ll focus on the highlights of the bad.
First, the potential of Mike Tyson suffering defeat to Jake Paul would tarnish his legacy forever. This outcome, which is the most expected according to BetUS Sportsbook oddsmakers, is such a haunting thought for boxing diehards, including myself and boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, as well as A-list celebrities like Mark Wahlberg.
Eddie Hearn on Paul/Tyson: It’s not my cup of tea.#HelwaniShow pic.twitter.com/2m5N2dXwnt
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) November 11, 2024
It could be a sad day for boomers, Gen X, and Gen Y. The man we grew up idolizing in combat sports, aged 58, is attempting to tangle with a powerful kid in his late twenties, and “The Baddest Man on the Planet” might just be viewed as the saddest man on the planet by Friday night.
Gen Z could celebrate Paul on X, Instagram, and every social media platform like he’s now a legitimate professional. Nobody wants to see or hear that nonsense, but it’s a highly likely scenario given Mike Tyson’s age and recent health concerns.
Secondly, with Tyson’s potential demise, Jake Paul would comment on how he defeated one of the greatest heavyweight boxers in history. No matter how fabricated the variables are, e.g., you’re fighting a man reaching his sixties, it’ll be a fact we cannot deny.
Oh, the pain.
If I see this happen to Mike Tyson on Friday I’m beginning my boxing journey to take down Jake Paul. pic.twitter.com/CIA7XSpXkh
— Homelander MMA (@HomelanderMMA) November 13, 2024
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: The Ugly
No matter what was accomplished 20-30 years ago, as a 58-year-old man fighting a 27-year-old, Tyson’s health is a concern that could rear its ugly head post-fight.
Physically and from a visual standpoint, Tyson looks in great shape. However, this fight was postponed this summer because the boxing legend suffered an ulcer flare-up, as he was vomiting blood and passing tar out his back end. This isn’t a sign of great health, and the durability of an old man, no matter how confident he might be, isn’t the same compared to that of a younger fighter.
Mike Tyson’s comeback fight against Jake Paul could be in jeopardy—two crucial tests could cancel the bout. Tyson’s recent health scare, including a severe ulcer, will be evaluated before the fight. If he doesn’t pass, the highly anticipated showdown may not happen.#MikeTyson… pic.twitter.com/ydNKn76RVD
— FTTV Boxing (@FTTVBoxing) November 13, 2024
When you realize most Tyson fans are hoping he leaves the AT&T Stadium healthy rather than believing he can win in boxing rumors, deep down, something isn’t right with this fight going ahead. Many doctors have already expressed their concerns, and despite 14-ounce gloves providing an added layer of protection, Paul can crack, and the last thing we want is a concussed Tyson lying in the ring.
Tyson still has to undergo evaluations, so the contest isn’t official until those tests are completed. Should the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation find any concerns surrounding Tyson’s brain or heart, they’ll cancel the fight, and rightfully so.
I think I speak for many when I say a cancellation to protect Tyson would be more than warranted. Paul, in actual fact, should be ashamed of himself. Yes, a man wanting to fight should have the right to do so, but no matter how much attention this circus show garners, none of it is worth the livelihood of a boxing great.
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