Mike Tyson is set to face Jake Paul in a boxing match at 8 p.m. ET Friday on Netflix, but the fireworks started early.
In their final faceoff before the bout, “Iron Mike” slapped the social media star before security jumped in to separate them. It’s just the latest moment to come from one of the most bizarre matchups in combat sports history. Friday’s fight pits one of the greatest (and most intimidating) fighters of all time against a social media star who took up boxing only in recent years. While it does seem a bit ridiculous — let’s be real here — there is still intrigue in what transpires at AT&T Stadium outside Dallas.
“Iron Mike” is a Boxing Hall of Famer who was the undisputed world heavyweight champion from 1987 to 1990. He was known for his brutal knockouts, as his first 19 fights ended early — 12 in the first round. At 20 years, four months and 22 days old, he was the youngest heavyweight champion ever.
Paul, 27, is a social media star with more than 27 million Instagram followers and nearly 21 million YouTube subscribers. He made his professional boxing debut in 2020, knocking out fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib in the first round. He has since amassed a 10-1 record with wins over former UFC stars Ben Askren, Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley, Nate Diaz and Mike Perry. His lone loss is a split decision last year against boxer Tommy Fury, the half-brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.