Here’s how to see when it starts, what to expect and more

On By Littum

One of the more unlikely matchups in boxing history is finally here: Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul Friday at 8 PM ET on Netflix.

The fight pits one of the greatest (and scariest) fighters of all time against a social media star who only started boxing in recent years. While it seems a little ridiculous — let’s be real here — there’s still intrigue in what’s happening at AT&T Stadium outside of Dallas.

Here’s what you need to know.

Who are these fighters really?

“Iron Mike” is a Boxing Hall of Famer who was the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world from 1987 to 1990. Tyson was known for his brutal knockouts as his first 19 fights ended early – 12 in the first round. At 20 years, four months and 22 days, he was the youngest heavyweight champion ever.

Tyson has not fought professionally since losing to Kevin McBride in the sixth round in 2005. He is 58 years old.

Paul is a social media star with more than 27 million Instagram followers and nearly 21 million YouTube subscribers. The 27-year-old made his professional boxing debut in 2020, knocking out fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib in the first round. He has since compiled a 10-1 record with wins that include former UFC stars Ben Askren, Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley, Nate Diaz and Mike Perry. His lone loss is a split decision to boxer Tommy Fury, half-brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, in 2023.

What is the full fight card?

While no ringside time has been announced for the main event, Paul and Tyson are expected to face off around 11 p.m. ET. The following matches will take place before the main event:

  • Katie Taylor (c) vs. Amanda Serrano, for the undisputed lightweight title
  • Mario Barrios (c) vs. Abel Ramos, for the WBC welterweight title
  • Shadasia Green vs. Melinda Watpool, for the vacant WBO super middleweight title
  • Lucas Bahdi vs. Armando Casamonica, lightweight
  • Bruce Carrington vs. Dana Coolwell, Featherweight
  • Neeraj Goyat Vs. Whindersson Nunes, middleweight

Is this a fully sanctioned match?

Yes, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has approved this event. However, there will be a few small changes compared to other heavyweight bouts.

The main event will be eight, two-minute rounds instead of 10 or 12 three-minute rounds, and both fighters will wear 14-ounce gloves instead of 10-ounce gloves.

Because it is sanctioned, the result will count towards their records.

Wasn’t this match supposed to take place last summer?

Yes, the fight was originally scheduled for July 20, but Tyson suffered a stomach ulcer while on a flight that postponed the event.

On “Countdown: Paul vs Tyson,” a pre-fight documentary, Tyson described in detail what he went through.

“I had a big wound, two and a half centimeters, and it was bleeding,” Tyson said. “All my friends called me like I was dying. I asked the doctor if I was going to die and she didn’t say ‘no’. … You wouldn’t believe what I endured from my wound. I lost 26 pounds.”

What they say

Tyson and Paul both spoke to the media during their final press conference on Wednesday. Here were some of the highlights:

Paul on what goes through his mind when he thinks of vintage Tyson: “I fear no man, so I want him to be old wild Mike,” he said. “He says he’s going to kill me. I’m ready. I want that killer. I want the hardest fight possible on Friday night and I want there to be no excuses from everybody at home when I knock him out.”

Paul on whether there is any chance of the fight going to a decision: “No, someone is being put to sleep. It’s going to be a war and we’re both heavy hitters. It doesn’t last the full 16 minutes.”

Paul on his critics: “I am blessed to be in the position I am, to be heavily criticized. It just means I’m doing something right. No one has had a boxing career like mine. It will be examined and judged, but I have reached the top in four years because I have taken risks. I was the underdog all the way up to Nate Robinson, and that’s something that people don’t remember (and) don’t give credit to, but I put it on the line against some of the best in the sport every single time. That’s why I’m here on Netflix against the biggest name in boxing right now.”

Tyson on being back in the ring at 58: “I’m just ready to fight. I’ve said everything I had to say. There’s nothing else to say. I’m just looking forward to fighting.”

Tyson on what he would do if he loses the fight: “I’m not going to lose.”