In a surprising turn of events, boxing legend Mike Tyson is set to make a dramatic return to the ring against social media influencer turned boxer Jake Paul on July 20 at the expansive AT&T Stadium in Texas. This clash, bridging a significant age gap of over 30 years, is generating immense buzz, not only for the personalities involved but also for the sheer unpredictability of the outcome.
Roy Jones Jr., the last professional boxer to face Tyson in a ring, shared his thoughts on this unusual matchup. “The Jake Paul Mike Tyson fight is not an exhibition, I’ve heard it’s been upgraded to a real fight,” Jones Jr. disclosed during an interview with The Lunch Club. His insights come with the credibility of having faced Tyson in November 2020, a bout that ended in a draw.
Jones Jr.’s perspective is particularly insightful given his firsthand experience with Tyson’s enduring power. “When I boxed him, he still punched like Mike Tyson. If he hits anybody square on the chin it’s going to be problematic, I don’t care who it is,” he remarked. This statement underscores the latent danger for Paul, who, despite his rapid ascent in the boxing world, has not yet faced an opponent with Tyson’s historic knockout power.
Jake Paul, on the other hand, has carved out a niche in professional boxing with wins over other non-traditional boxers and retired athletes, including a knockout victory against former NBA player Nate Robinson. Paul’s transition from YouTube fame to the boxing ring has been both controversial and watched closely, bringing a new audience to the sport.
The fight is expected to draw significant viewership numbers, propelled by the combination of Tyson’s legendary status and Paul’s extensive social media influence. “I think it’s a good promotional situation for him and Mike, they should go really good numbers especially having upgraded to a real fight,” Jones Jr. added.
As the fight date approaches, the boxing community and fans worldwide are keenly waiting to see if Tyson, at 58, can channel his former ferocity or if Paul will continue his unexpected rise in the sport by overcoming one of its greatest fighters. Whatever the outcome, July 20 promises to deliver an unforgettable spectacle.
