Jake Paul's upcoming fight with Mike Tyson has been three and a half years in the making.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer manifested this 'crazy idea' in a video where he asked his friends if he could beat Tyson.
Paul was fighting on Tyson's undercard of his exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr in 2020, knocking out NBA star Nate Robinson.
Three days before the fight, the social media star asked his friends: “I just came up with a crazy idea. Do you think I can beat Mike Tyson?”
Everyone said no but he insisted: "Not even a year from now?"
One of the gang replied: “Mike Tyson just got s*** he knows how to do bro that’s just... He's just a dog."
Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will fight later this month
Reuters
The fight is set for 15 November at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. It's expected to be one of the most viewed fights of the 21st century.
Initially thought to be an exhibition, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has sanctioned it as a professional heavyweight contest.
This means knockouts are allowed, no headgear will be worn, and the result will count on both fighters' professional records.
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Concerns have been raised about Tyson's health and age, as he recently celebrated his 58th birthday.
In contrast, Paul is in his physical prime at 27 and has been actively competing for five years.
Tyson's last bout was an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr in 2020. Paul, who fought on the undercard that night, has since gained more boxing experience.
Despite the age gap, the fight has been sanctioned as a professional contest. This decision has sparked debate within the boxing community about the fairness and safety of the match-up.
The fight will feature adjusted rules to accommodate both fighters. Instead of the standard 10oz gloves, Paul and Tyson will wear 14oz mitts.
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The rounds have been shortened from three minutes to two minutes at Tyson's request. This change is intended to allow for 'more action'.
Tyson competed over similar two-minute rounds in his last bout against Roy Jones Jr, where he managed his energy well.
However, his fight with Paul is expected to be far more demanding.
These adjustments have sparked discussions about how they might influence the dynamics of the match.
The fight between Paul and Tyson is anticipated to be a major event in the boxing world.
Jake Paul first insisted he could fight Mike Tyson three years ago
Getty
Paul's recent boxing career includes victories over NBA star Nate Robinson and former UFC fighter Ben Askren.
Tyson, despite his legendary status, hasn't fought professionally since 2005. His 2020 exhibition match with Roy Jones Jr marked his return to the ring after a long hiatus.
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Mike Tyson will return to the ring for the first time professionally since 2005
Getty
The venue, AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, is a $1 billion facility capable of hosting a massive audience. This setting underscores the magnitude of the event.
The unique pairing of a YouTube sensation and a boxing legend has generated significant buzz, promising to draw viewers from diverse demographics.
