The much-anticipated boxing match between heavyweight legend Mike Tyson and YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul took an unexpected turn during the weigh-in.
Summary:
- Mike Tyson slapped Jake Paul during their weigh-in, igniting drama ahead of their highly anticipated fight.
- The eight-round heavyweight bout will take place on Friday, 15 November 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
- Controversy surrounds the fight amid speculation of a contractual clause favouring Paul.
Mike Tyson attacks Jake Paul
On Friday (AEDT) in Arlington, Texas, Tyson slapped Paul in a dramatic face-off that left the crowd stunned.
The altercation unfolded after the two fighters stepped on the scales ahead of their eight-round bout.
Tyson, weighing 227.2 pounds (103kg), and Paul, slightly heavier at 228.4 pounds (103.6kg), exchanged heated words.
As Paul taunted Tyson, the former heavyweight champion retaliated with an open-handed slap.
Security quickly intervened to restrain Tyson, who exited the stage with his entourage, declaring:
“Talking’s over.”
Paul, unphased, dismissed the slap, calling Tyson an “angry little elf” and theatrically vowed to knock him out.
The weigh-in drama has heightened the anticipation for what many expect to be the year’s most-watched boxing event.
Fight details and expectations
Set to take place on Friday, 15 November 2024, at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the bout is an officially sanctioned match featuring eight two-minute rounds.
Tyson, 58, is stepping back into the ring 19 years after his last professional fight.
Paul, 27, is entering with a 10-1 record, aiming to solidify his status as a serious contender in the boxing world.
The fight is supported by Netflix and will be streamed live globally.
Both fighters will wear 14-ounce gloves, which are heavier than the usual competition standard.
Controversy and contract speculation
Speculation has surrounded the fight, with some insiders suggesting a contract clause prevents Tyson from fully exerting himself.
Former super-middleweight world champion Carl Froch claimed:
“It’s in the contract. He [Paul] can’t lose.”
Froch alleged that the bout is scripted to protect Paul’s reputation, though no official confirmation has been made.
Promoters like Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren have also expressed concerns over the fight, pointing to Tyson’s age as a potential risk factor.
Despite the criticism, Tyson has embraced the matchup, stating that he values the thrill of taking risks and competing again.
How to watch Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul live in South Africa
South African boxing fans can watch the Tyson-Paul showdown live on Netflix.
The fight will air in the early hours of Saturday, 16 November 2024, local time.
Coverage will begin with the undercard matches, leading up to the main event later in the night.