2024-11-14

Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul: Insight, Prediction and Tips

Like it or loathe it, the boxing world gets set for what may be one of the most watched fights of the 21st century as former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson returns to the ring to take on YouTuber Jake Paul at the AT&T Stadium in Texas in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Tyson is willing to put his legacy on the line against Paul as the 58-year-old prepares for his first professional bout since retiring following defeat against Kevin McBride in 2005.

Nicknamed ‘the Baddest Man on the Planet’, Tyson was a ferocious and feared fighter and the interest has accumulated from all around the world as he tackles an opponent over 30 years his junior and in the peak of his condition.

Paul may lack the ringcraft and natural talent of his opponent but he has youth and athleticism on his side, having only competed actively in professional boxing for the last five years, where he has built up a 10-1 record.

Tip 1 - Jake Paul to win by KO, TKO or DQ @ 7/5

Many consider the Brooklyn brawler to be the best heavyweight boxer of all time but it remains to be seen how much of the old skill and power Tyson still possesses.

Despite all that Tyson achieved in the ring, the layers are siding with the relatively inexperienced Paul to come out on top, and it looks the safest punting approach.

Paul is far from being the most gifted or complete boxer on the circuit but he is dedicated to the cause and always improving. He hits hard and it is unlikely that 58-year-old Tyson is still able to match those weapons.

Tyson has been inactive for a long time. Though he did take on Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition contest in 2020, his powers would have waned further since then.

Maybe 10 years ago, ‘Iron Mike’ would have still had what it takes to stop Paul in his tracks but, fast approaching 60, he poses a different challenge and it must be concerning to his supporters that he has been yielding a knee brace during recent sparring sessions.

Tyson may need to go for a quick stoppage as a full eight-round bout would pose serious questions about his fitness and sharpness.

Paul has built his career on beating a number of MMA fighters who were also taking on a new discipline. However, he did show in his sole defeat to Tommy Fury that he deserves more praise than being labelled as just a ‘YouTube fighter’.

So, while it makes for an intriguing fight in which neither outcome should come as a complete surprise, Tyson’s experience may count for little in the heat of battle.

And it may be late in the fight, after surviving an early storm, in which Paul can put his youth to good use and eventually capitalise on Tyson’s inactivity.