Mike Tyson will fight Jake Paul in a boxing match in Arlington, Texas on July 20.
Jake Paul and Mike Tyson are preparing to meet in the ring this summer and a clear favourite has already emerged with the bookies for the controversial boxing match.
Tyson, 57, will return to the ring to face Paul, 27, on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in what will be the main event of a card that will air on Netflix.
Former undisputed heavyweight world champion Tyson has not fought since drawing with Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition match in 2020, while his last professional bout came back in 2005 against Kevin McBridge – when he was stopped in two rounds before hanging up the gloves.
His decision to return to the ring has caused major controversy, with numerous high-profile figures from the world of boxing questioning his decision to return while also criticising Paul for taking a fight against the much older man.
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Mike Tyson starts training camp for Jake Paul fight
Credit: Mike Tyson
Undeterred, Tyson has posted several clips on social media of himself training for the fight, in which he looks in peak physical condition for a man of his age.
YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul is yet to publish footage of himself in preparation for the fight, having recently extended his professional record to 9-1 with a first-round victory over Ryan Bourland in Puerto Rico on March 2.
Despite that relative lack of training in recent weeks, the bookmakers have seemingly decided that Paul is likely to win the fight.
The ‘Problem Child’ is currently 5/6 favourite to win the fight, with Tyson the slight underdog at 6/4 according to odds provided by OddsChecker.
It is yet to be confirmed if the fight will be fully professional, a non-judged fight with pro rules or an exhibition bout.
Mike Tyson training with pads ahead of Jake Paul fight
Credit: @IfnBoxing via X
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It had been claimed that the two men could face each other with 18oz gloves and head-guards.
However, MMA journalist Ariel Helwani has since debunked that theory.
Speaking on a recent episode of The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, he said: “Is it pro or is it exhibition? They want pro, but that’s up to the Texas commission, we’ll have to wait and see. Weight? I’m told heavyweight. Rounds? I’m working on that as well.
“I saw an interview with Derek Chisora where he said there would be headgear. I was told there’s absolutely no headgear involved.
“This is going to look like your typical boxing match. It’s just like, an exhibition like Mike’s last fight was against Roy Jones in November 2020? Or is it just going to be a normal, pro-heavyweight fight that has no strings attached in that regard?”
