Mike Tyson, in many people’s eyes the best heavyweight fighter on the planet at one point, makes his long-awaited return to professional boxing. He takes on 27-year-old YouTube sensation-turned-boxer Jake Paul on Friday. It is the first professional fight for Tyson since 2005, setting up a historic event with an unprecedented 31-year gap between fighters. The bout, sanctioned under modified rules, will feature eight two-minute rounds. Both fighters will be required to wear heavier 14-ounce gloves to minimize the damage of any blown, which is designed to reduce the punches’ full impact. The highly hyped Tyson versus Paul fight is part of the Netflix fight card that kicks off at 8 p.m. ET.
Breaking Down the Odds: Can the Underdog Win?
Much younger Jake Paul comes in at a -194 favorite in most betting odds. Tyson will enter the ring as a +158 underdog. Over/under on total rounds is 5.5, with odds of -112. Those betting on the fight going the distance have an over of +140. Meanwhile, Paul comes in at +145 to win by knockout, while Tyson is at +250 to win by KO/TKO. A draw would come in at +1000. At SportsLine, they have a more in-depth look at the bout and pick it from every angle.
Expert Predictions: Insights from Proven Analysts
Seasoned boxing experts have shared their predictions for this intriguing matchup. Brandon Wise, a combat sports editor with a stellar SportsLine record, has a strong history of accurate picks. Earlier this year, he correctly predicted Jake Paul’s Round 1 victory over Ryan Bourland, advising bettors to take the Under 1.5 rounds. For this fight, Wise favors the Over 5.5 rounds and suggests a prop bet with high potential payouts. His full strategy is available on SportsLine.
Another veteran analyst, Josh Nagel brings over two decades of boxing expertise. Nagel’s past successes include predicting Floyd Mayweather’s win over Manny Pacquiao and Anthony Joshua’s TKO over Wladimir Klitschko. For Tyson vs. Paul, Nagel leans towards the Under for total rounds and recommends betting on one fighter at current odds, which have shifted significantly since their release. His detailed betting advice is accessible on SportsLine.
Whether you’re backing the seasoned Tyson or the younger Paul, this fight promises excitement, history, and ample betting opportunities.