Mike Tyson is all set to make a return to the boxing ring as he takes on YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The fight is schedlued to take place on Friday night as per US timings and can be streamed live at 6 AM on Netflix in India on Saturday morning. The duo have already had plenty of exchanges on social media in press meet but the final staredown between the two took an uglier turn, adding more heat in the much anticipated clash.
During the formal weigh-in, which is a customary ritual before all boxing bouts, Tyson failed to control emotions and slapped Paul on the cheek with his right hand. The incident triggered after Paul was seen mocking a hot-headed Tyson and the security present had to separate the two before things could get more ugly.
"Talking's over," Tyson said before making his exit with members of his entourage. Paul, on the other hand, said that the slap didn't hurt him a bit and reacted: "I didn't even feel it -- he's angry. He's an angry little elf...cute slap buddy." Paul concluded his remarks with an expletive-laden pledge to knock Tyson out, before roaring theatrically into a microphone: "He must die."
Tyson weighed in at 228.4 pounds, while his opponent measured 227.2 pounds on the scale.
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As per reports, Tyson is being paid $20 million for the fight, which is an officially sanctioned bout in Texas. The bout will consist of eight rounds each lasting two minutes. Notably, the fighters will be using 14-ounce gloves, a heavier weight than the standard gloves which is typically used for professional boxing.
The contest has met with mixed reactions from across the boxing world with many prominent figures decrying the prospect of Tyson lacing up his gloves nearly 40 years after his professional debut and 19 years after his last officially sanctioned fight.
It was originally scheduled for July 20 earlier this year but was postponed after Tyson had to pull out due to a medical emergency. The former World Champion, also regarded as the 'Baddest Man on The Planet' had then developed an ulcer flare up and was recommended by doctors to engage in minimal to light training over the next few weeks before returning to training in full throttle.
Tyson has completely recovered and fans can expect a classic on Friday night at the Arlington arena.
- With AFP inputs
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