Mike Tyson and Jake Paul will go toe-to-toe this Friday in a fight that has been eight months in the making. A two-time heavyweight champion, Tyson last held the title in November 1996, two months before Paul was born.
Paul has worked his way to a 10-1 professional record, last defeating Mike Perry via TKO in July. While Tyson hasn't fought professionally since 2005 when he quit on his stool against Kevin McBride before announcing his retirement then and there. So, can a 58-year-old version of Tyson returning from a health issue in May knock out a YouTube star turned boxer?
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Betting Preview
A prime Tyson would beat the brakes off of Paul but that is not what we have here, so going into the history of one of the most feared boxers of all time is irrelevant considering he hasn’t fought in almost two decades. What Tyson does have is boxing fundamentals that Paul simply doesn’t possess. This was seen perfectly throughout his career where his excellent head movement paired with devastating punching power left many men unconscious.
However, if he is to win this fight it isn’t going to be with raw power. To beat the much younger Paul, Tyson will need to go back to what he did as well as anyone, ripping to the body in tight. The key to success for ‘Iron Mike’ is to corner Paul and unload to the body before going up top.
While the game plan should be vastly different for Paul. He is not only the younger fighter but also holds the advantage in reach and will be best suited to use his jab to keep the fight at range. Whether Tyson can still take a flush punch, go the distance or even if his body is even okay after a health scare just months earlier are all unknowns. Paul can test each and every one of those concerns by being active and going first.
If he can lead the dance, keep Tyson on the end of his punches and use his feet to move laterally and avoid being cornered, it is his fight to lose. From a betting standpoint, Paul is about the right price at $1.50 and I even have him even shorter at $1.40 in my market. However, I believe the price for him to win by KO is too short.
While there are plenty of question marks around Tyson’s conditioning and ability to compete at 58 years of age, although Paul is a good boxer in his own right he is nowhere near as good as Tyson from a technical standpoint and I believe there is a good chance this fight goes all eight rounds, so bet accordingly.
Fight to go the distance ($2.60 Sportsbet)- 3 stakes
Predictions for the rest of the card (winners in bold)
Super lightweight title bout: Katie Taylor vs. Amando Serrano
Welterweight: Mario Barrios vs. Abel Ramos
Super Middleweight: Shadasia Green vs. Melinda Watpool
Lightweight: Lucas Bahdi vs. Armando Casamonica
Featherweight: Bruce Carrington vs. Dana Coolwell
