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Does Jake Paul stand a chance against Iron Mike Tyson?

Does Jake Paul stand a chance against Iron Mike Tyson?

Boxing DraftKings Network

Published:

By: Darian Kelly

Fight night is finally here! Boxing legend Mike Tyson will fight influencer Jake Paul live tonight on Netflix at 8 pm EST. Jake Paul is currently a -245 favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Tyson sits +195.

Two-time welterweight champion and host of the PorterWay Podcast Shawn Porter joined Friday’s edition of GoJo and Golic to preview this highly-anticipated bout.

Depending on your age, many remember Mike Tyson as one of boxing’s most FEROCIOUS fighters, knocking opponents out left and right and for his moniker of the baddest man on the planet. Now, he is 58 years old and stepping into the ring nearly 20 years removed from his last professional fight. Mike Golic Jr. asked Shawn Porter if he was surprised that the fight was even happening after he went on record to say it would not happen. Porter shared that he didn’t think it would happen at all, and when it got canceled the first time because of an ulcer flare for Tyson, he admitted he was one of those I told you so guys. However, he received a text from a friend noticing more promotion around the fight, which ultimately confirmed to him that the fight would indeed happen. He admits that he thought this was a gimmick at first and he still believes that in a lot of ways this is the gimmick of Jake Paul. But, he believes people should appreciate who he is and what he is doing while noting that you can’t put him in a box of “he’s boxing.” Porter says he’s not boxing, he’s a gimmick in boxing and if you’re able to understand that then you can appreciate what he’s trying to do.

Mike Golic Sr. wonders if professional boxers consider Paul a boxer. Porter explained that most fighters in the boxing world do not consider him a boxer. Porter did commend Paul on his work ethic and looks at him as a boxer, but not in the way the mainstream media regards him as if he is in the world championship conversation. So, in essence, he does not “deserve” to be in the ring with a legend like Tyson, but Porter gave him his props for putting himself in a position to be in the ring with someone he has idolized from childhood.

Porter acknowledged that while Paul hasn’t taken the traditional path in the squared circle, he appreciates the attention Paul brings to boxing and welcomes him into the sport. Porter thinks that the business of boxing has failed to capitalize on Paul’s influence, citing an example where he suggested inviting Paul to a high-profile bout between David Benavidez and Caleb Plant to attract more viewers. He emphasized that anyone who steps into the ring, as Paul has done multiple times, deserves recognition for putting themselves in harm’s way, even if they don’t compete at the same level or for as long as others.

The age difference between the combatants brings up a lot of concern about whether Tyson, who is 31 years older than Paul, can withstand being in the ring for an extended time. Senior asked if a 58-year-old man like Tyson can go the distance with Paul, even with a two-minute round format instead of three-minute rounds. Porter explained that when done correctly, two-minute rounds can be MORE difficult than three-minute rounds because they demand more output. With less time to rest or stall, there’s more continuous work, leading to a higher heart rate and greater exertion of energy. He compared Mike Tyson to a prized antique car, capable of brief bursts of high performance but not built to sustain top speed for long. Tyson, he said, might hit 100 MPH for a moment, but he won’t be able stay there.

All the risk seems to be on Paul in this fight. Senior mentioned outside of the $40 million prize, what does Paul stand to gain out of this fight? Porter emphasized that boxing is ultimately about entertainment, something he believes many in the sport fail to recognize. He explained that elements like a fighter dancing to the ring, wearing Michael Jackson-inspired outfits, or even moonwalking should be embraced as part of the spectacle. Porter predicted that the Netflix event would deliver pure entertainment, noting that for both Tyson and Paul, it’s a win-win situation. Both fighters’ primary objective is to entertain.

So with all of that said, who does Porter like in this sanctioned fight? He said he has an idea of how he thinks the fight will go, and even went so far as to screenshot it and send it to friends of his and will post it if things go how he thinks they will. But he did not want to give his pick in advance because he doesn’t want to give anyone a reason not to watch this fight. But, he did admit that he thinks the fight will go the distance.

If you’re looking for more information about the fight, DraftKings Network’s Ryan Wohl has several articles for you to check out including:

And make sure to follow along live tonight as Ryan Wohl hosts a live blog on DKNetwork.com with live updates and round-by-round scoring. Check that out here.

Watch or listen to the full show below and make sure to tune into GoJo and Golic weekday mornings from 8-10 a.m. ET on DraftKings Network! See more about how to watch DraftKings Network here. Also, subscribe to the new GoJo and Golic YouTube page and hit the notification bell to never miss a video!

SHOW BREAKDOWN

Hour 1: Shawn Porter, 2x Welterweight Champ, on Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson + NFL Week 11 Preview & Saquon’s Eagles Flying High

VIDEO

Watch GoJo and Golic LIVE every weekday from 8 to 10 a.m. ET. The show is also available via audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow Mike Golic Sr. on X at @golic and Mike Golic Jr. on X at @mikegolicjr and the show on X at @GoJoandGolic and Instagram at @GojoandGolic.

I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information

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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.

Darian Kelly
Darian Kelly is a Baltimore native and Orioles fan with a sharp eye for storytelling in sports. A Georgetown Sports Management grad, he blends his passion for the NBA, NFL, MLB, college hoops, and the WNBA with content strategy skills, crafting digital content that connects with fans across every platform. Follow Darian on X: @DKSports410.
Disclaimer

I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.