A slap in the face. As sudden as it was powerful. This Thursday, Mike Tyson (58) struck a blow with the palm of his right hand on the left side of the head of Jake Paul (27), in their last face-to-face match before their English boxing bout. scheduled for Friday night (French time), at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas (USA). Immediately, members of the security team – or of both teams? – intervened to prevent the situation from escalating any further. “I didn’t even feel it, he’s angry. He’s an angry little leprechaun…Lovely slap buddy“, launched the YouTuber with 20.8 million subscribers who became a boxer several years ago. Before adding: “Now it’s personal! It’s personal. And he must die!“Atmosphere.

A fight put on hold then postponed…due to an ulcer

This slap in the face is just another episode in the “show” surrounding this event. For several months now, the two men have been incessantly inveighing, provoking and threatening each other. The aim? To generate maximum interest – the lifeblood of all combat sports – in this confrontation, produced by Jake Paul’s promotion company Most Valuable Promotion (MVP) and broadcast live on Netflix. It’s (undoubtedly) a success.

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This fight has been a long time coming. Negotiations began in early 2022. But since Mike Tyson suffered from chronic sciatica that prevented him from walking – he had even been spotted in a wheelchair – it was put on hold for some time. Finally, in early 2024, with “Iron Mike” doing (much) better, the opposition was scheduled for July 20. Except…the former world heavyweight champion was victim of an ulcer. The event was finally postponed until November 15.

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Rules (largely) relaxed

Unlike the one Mike Tyson fought on November 28, 2020 against former world champion Roy Jones Jr – an exhibition – this is, according to the organizers, a professional fight. In other words, the confrontation, which has been approved by the Texas licensing commission for boxing bouts, will count towards both men’s record. Nevertheless, because of their great age difference, the rules have been relaxed. Instead of twelve three-minute rounds, there will be eight two-minute rounds. And the gloves worn by both fighters will be a little thicker.

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Nonetheless, many observers, including professional boxers, are wondering how such a fight, pitting (admittedly) a legend of the Noble Art (but) in faltering health against an influencer-boxer in his prime, can take place. Some are worried about “Iron Mike”, who retired in 2005 after 50 wins including 44 knockouts (6 losses, 2 no-decisions), questioning his ability to take punches and hold out physically. Others are for the YouTuber who has (still) won nine of his ten professional fights…but who has never faced an opponent of this calibre (despite his age).

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Tens of millions of euros in winnings

As is often the case, to understand the appeal of such an event, all you have to do is look at the winnings involved. For this fight, broadcast live on Netflix, Mike Tyson could collect around 20 million dollars (or 18.9 million euros). A handsome sum for the man who declared bankruptcy in 2003 – despite amassing over $300 million (283.6 million euros) in his career. – whose current fortune is estimated at several million euros. Jake Paul, on the other hand, could earn twice as much ($40 million, or 37.8 million euros), thanks to his dual role as fighter-promoter.

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In addition, the influencer made his opponent a bet: if he could last more than four rounds, he’d be willing to pay him an extra $5 million (4.7 million euros); if not, he’d like him to get an “I love Jake Paul” tattoo. The former world champion has not (yet?) reacted. Perhaps he’d rather respond in the ring.