Jake Paul and Mike Tyson are set to square off in a new Ohio showdown, with both fighters having connections to the state
Jake Paul, the popular content creator hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, who entered the professional boxing scene in 2020, is gearing up to face off against Mike Tyson.
The showdown between the two is scheduled for July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, which serves as the home ground for the Dallas Cowboys.
In 2020, Paul participated in an undercard fight during Tyson's last match, where he secured a knockout victory over retired NBA star Nate Robinson.
Reflecting on his upcoming bout with Tyson, Paul expressed his determination, stating, "Now, less than four years later, I'm stepping up to face Tyson myself to assess if I possess the skills to conquer one of boxing's most notorious fighters and iconic figures," as reported in the press release.
Tyson, the renowned former undisputed world heavyweight champion, expressed his anticipation of facing off against Paul in the ring.
"I'm eager to step into the ring with Paul," Tyson remarked, as stated in the news release. "He has shown remarkable growth as a boxer over the years. It'll be intriguing to witness what the determination and ambition of a 'kid' can achieve when matched with the experience and skill of a G.O.A.T."
According to a news release from Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), the fight will be livestreamed by Netflix.
How are Jake Paul and Mike Tyson connected to Ohio?
During the 1990s, Tyson resided in a mansion situated in Southington, found northeast of Akron within Trumbull County. Meanwhile, Paul, hailing from Cleveland, was brought up in Westlake.
Tyson's connection to Ohio further extends to his managerial team, where Cleveland native Don King served as the heavyweight's promoter during his professional prime.
What do the oddsmakers predict for the outcome of the fight?
Although official odds have yet to be released, DraftKings Sportsbook's head oddsmaker, Johnny Avello, has shared his initial assessment on the sportsbook's website. According to Avello, here are the early odds for the Tyson vs. Paul bout:
Jake Paul: -360
Mike Tyson: +300
These odds, as of March 8, 2024, indicate that Mike Tyson is considered the underdog in the upcoming July 20 fight against Jake Paul.
In Tyson's last exhibition fight, which took place on November 28, 2020, at the Staples Center, he faced Roy Jones Jr. Despite Tyson's age of 54 at the time and Jones being 51, Tyson displayed aggression from the outset, continuously pressuring Jones throughout most of their eight rounds, as reported by USA Today.