As four-year journey reaches climax, love-in origins ring true for Jake Paul and Mike Tyson

Published: Nov 06, 2024

Jake Paul and Mike Tyson's upcoming bout will mark the culmination of a four-year journey featuring the two men when they meet in the ring later this month.

The YouTuber-turned-professional boxer will step into the ring against The Baddest Man on the Planet, the former heavyweight champion of the world, on November 15.

The pair will go toe-to-toe in a professional bout at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, marking Tyson's full return to the ring for the first time since a 2005 loss to Kevin McBride.

Read more | Oscar De La Hoya makes prediction for huge Paul vs. Tyson clash

But it is not the first time that Iron Mike and his rival, more than three decades his junior, have shared the canvas together, having done so back in November 2020.

Then, Tyson fought the legendary Roy Jones Jr. at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, as part of an exhibition match, with Paul forming part of the co-main event.

While the former fought to a split decision draw over eight rounds, the latter needed just two to score a knockout victory over Nate Robinson, in just his second professional fight.

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As both men ramp up their back-and-forth before a date with destiny under the bright lights next weekend, it marks a far cry from their complimentary praise four years prior.

There, Paul was keen to see Tyson move onto other legendary professionals after his comeback with Jones, while adding that he wanted to form part of the bill again too.

"I want to see Mike Tyson versus Evander Holyfield," he was quoted by the Associated Press. "Put me on the undercard. I'm biting somebody's ear off."

Tyson was just as complementary to the rising star, praising the contribution Paul and other viral stars such as KSI had made to a sport he described as on the way out.

"Boxing, they owe these YouTube boxers some kind of respect," he said after facing Jones. "They should give them some belts because these guys make boxing alive.

"Boxing was a dying sport. UFC was kicking our butts, and now we got these YouTube boxers boxing with 25 million views. Boxing’s going back thanks to the YouTube boxers."

Now, almost half-a-decade later, the pair meet in one of the most fascinating contests of the season, but also with the sport in rude health amid the success of Riyadh Season.

It remains to be seen which of Paul and Tyson - entertainers with chequered history and reputations - will triumph when they are face-to-face on the night.

But certainly, it appears that the latter's prophecy has now rung true - and that they can still deliver with the biggest names when it comes to the biggest nights.

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