Posted on: November 14, 2024, 08:29h.
Last updated on: November 14, 2024, 08:29h.
Lots of betting buzz around Friday’s Mike Tyson-Jake Paul heavyweight fight, with the 58-year-old Tyson seeing the bulk of the backing.
The fight is controversial, to say the least. Tyson hasn’t had a sanctioned fight since 2005. The last time these two were supposed to fight – last July – Tyson had to back out because of an ulcer issue. Paul, 27, is a YouTuber who’s had only 11 fights – he’s won 10 of those. Is he a novelty fighter? Tyson Fury has called him a “decent boxer”, according to this ESPN report. Paul will reportedly make $40 million, Tyson $20 million.
Eight-Round Fight
The fight’s going to be held at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, and broadcast on Netflix for those subscribers (start time 8 p.m. EST). The fight is sanctioned in Texas as a pro bout – so the result will go on the boxer’s record (Tyson is 50-6, 44 KOs, and Paul is 10-1, 7 KOs). There will be eight, two-minute rounds. The fighters will be using 14 oz gloves, rather than the usual 10 oz gloves for boxers in their weight class (154 pounds and up). Going with the 14 oz gloves will lessen the impact of the punches.
Certainly, past reporting on Tyson working out showed a man in great shape, seemingly. And don’t forget he went eight rounds with Roy Jones Jr. in an exhibition four years ago. Tyson went the distance there (split draw).
Broadcast on Netflix
The ethics of allowing a 58-year-old man to step into a boxing ring with a man 30 years younger than him is debatable. Tyson’s reflexes, his ability to avoid a punch, at 58 years of age is an obvious concern, as is the impact that shots to the brain has on a person that old. “Iron Mike” told BBC Sport at Tuesday’s media workout that he’s “just fine”, health was not a concern, adding:
No one is taking it easy on me. They want to see if I quit or not and I’m still here. All the training is over now. The fight is the party, the training is preparation, but the fight is the party.”
One might be a little surprised at how betting is trending for the fight.
“Punters seem to be predominantly backing for Iron Mike,” said Mark Collier, a trader with BetVictor. “Bout line seems to be holding around the 9/4 mark (+225) but ultimately punters are focusing on the KO/TKO which at this point is only a point higher than the bout (we are currently 5/2, or +250).
Trader: Fight’s a ‘Circus’
Like most people’s thinking – the consensus is that Tyson will come out swinging then his age will naturally make him slow down. With Jake Paul the fresher, younger fighter and of course more active, his Decision price (+275) is one I’d be tempted by. But let’s be honest, and I’m pretty sure the other traders will agree, this Fake Boxing is an absolute circus.”
Said Alex Rella, Senior Trader, BetMGM: “We expect the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight to be the most bet on boxing match in BetMGM history. Bettors want to see Paul get knocked out and love Tyson as an underdog. The book will be rooting for Paul to win.”
Paul Odds Favorite
Collier said the volume of business on his front has been larger than usual, and it’s hard to predict how popular the fight will be on the betting end.
“Off time is projected to be around 5 am however with it being the legend that is Mike Tyson, we might see solid turnover considering the unsocial timing of the event,” he said. “In comparison to when Jake Paul fought Tommy Fury (2023, won by Fury a split decision), I’d confidently say that it won’t reach the dizzy heights of that one.”
Odds as of this morning: BetVictor has it Paul -175 to win, +900 for a draw, Tyson at +175 to win. At BetMGM it’s Paul -190, Draw +900, Tyson +188. At DraftKings it’s Paul -200, Draw +750, Tyson +160.
