Jake Paul takes on Mike Tyson tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 15, from Cowboys Stadium.
First and foremost, just because it is a sanctioned bout does not mean it is a regular boxing match.
This fight will be eight, two-minute rounds with the fighters wearing 14-ounce gloves. The typical gloves for heavyweights weigh 10 ounces.
The last time we saw Tyson in a professional fight was nearly 20 years ago, in 2005, against journeyman Kevin McBride. Tyson quit after the sixth round, apologized for his subpar performance and retired from the sport.
Paul, a 27-year-old social media influencer turned professional boxer, has been developing his skills in the ring for the four years and has, without a doubt, shown growth as a fighter.
It’s an event with many eyes on it, but also one that could damage Paul’s career should he struggle against 58-year-old Tyson or, even worse, lose the fight.
In the case of this fight, Paul is in a bit of a no-win situation. A win may be good for his ego, but it would also be over a shell of what was once the “baddest man on the planet”.
A loss, on the other hand, would badly damage the credibility that Paul has worked hard to establish for himself.
Paul has fought a few opponents who are professionals, but none that have been very active in boxing. In his biggest step up, he fought Tommy Fury, the brother of former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. Paul lost that fight via split decision.
Paul should win this one given his youth and his frequent activity in the ring. Maybe, though, just maybe, Tyson will land that signature left hook of his and sends shockwaves throughout the world. Isn’t that what we are all signing on to see?
Fights and fighters to watch
Friday’s co-main event will feature a rematch between rivals Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, one that follows a “Fight of the Year” candidate from two and a half years ago.
The rematch is arguably the biggest fight in the history of women’s boxing.
In a featured contest, WBC welterweight (147 pounds/66 kilograms) champion Mario Barrios takes on Abel Ramos. This fight should be an explosive one.
Another fighter who has star potential and will have a lot of eyes on him tomorrow is Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington.
Carrington has a chance to steal the show, as he has done in previous events, when he takes on Dana Coolwell.
Carrington is also looked at as a possible opponent for pound-for-pound stalwart, Naoya Inoue, and this fight could help advance Carrington toward making the fight with Inoue a reality.
