It’s the Mike Tyson–Jake Paul fight everywhere. The clash of titans, where a boxing great will stand opposite a young boxing star, has been making waves since its announcement. It’s not that everyone’s on board with the matchup. Many are concerned about ‘Iron’ Mike’s health. The ulcer flare-up that led to the earlier July 20 schedule’s cancelation only added to the apprehensions. However, Tyson resumed his training following the brief hold-up.

The Netflix showdown has now taken over the media landscape. With fight night nearing, much of the discourse has shifted to the potential outcome. Who is it going to be? Will the once ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ emerge from the shadows to reclaim his legacy, or will ‘The Problem Child’ secure the most memorable victory of his young career? Arguments falling on either side of the fence persist. There’s another discourse. Both Paul and Tyson have called out, claiming an early stoppage to the fight. However, a section believes that the scorecards will rule the night. Why and how?

Mike Tyson versus Jake Paul: The Fight of Fights

First, let’s gather a few details about the November 15 showdown. The meetup received professional fight sanctioning from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations. It will have eight rounds. However, there’s a slight tweak. Unlike the regular competitive fights where each round lasts 3 minutes, the rounds of the Paul-Tyson clash will be 2 minutes long. There’s another adjustment. Unlike most heavyweight fights, where the fighter wears 10 oz gloves, ‘Iron’ Mike and ‘The Problem Child’ will lace up much heavier 14 oz ones.

Initially, rumors surfaced that the pair would fight with headgear. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case. Speaking about the 2-minute rounds, Tyson explained, “I wanted the shorter rounds because I wanted more action. If we only have two minutes, we’ll fight more.”

So if that is the case, will the fans get to see a knockout? The records might support the argument for an early stoppage. With nearly 88% of his fights ending in knockouts, you have one of history’s most formidable hitters standing at one corner. Jake Paul could be a generation away from the prime ‘Iron’ Mike. But in his four-year career, the 27-year-old has built an imposing reputation for knockouts. Especially his last three bouts, beginning with the December face-off against André August, all ended in solid drubbings.

So in a clash of power punchers, the outcome could be either way.

The Drawn Route to the Final Round

To label the proposition wishful thinking might sound a bit severe. But there’s a good chance the Tyson-Paul fight might end with the final bell and not a knockout. First and foremost, the audience and fans must bear in mind that it’s not Mike Tyson who sent the likes of Trevor Berbick, Pinklon Thomas, Larry Holmes, and many more to the canvas.

It’s a 58-year-old retired former champion who hasn’t entered a professional arena in the last nineteen years. Those expecting Tyson to do a peek-a-boo on Paul might be in for a surprise. As the saying in boxing goes, power is the last thing to go. Age often takes a toll on a boxer’s reflexes and speed. Hence, the former champion’s legendary quickness and footwork may not be on display as they once were.

Let’s assume: Bringing his trademark style into play, Mike Tyson will lunge at Jake Paul. Applying pressure from the inside, he will try to break up ‘The Problem Child’ with deadly combinations. Reeling under pressure, Paul could end up making mistakes. To a hunter like Tyson, that’s food served on a platter.

To avoid the mishap, ‘The Problem Child’ might avoid a head-on clash. Staying away from the pockets, the Ohioan could take chances with a stick-and-move strategy. The thought hadn’t escaped ‘Iron’ Mike’s veteran mindset. Speaking with sports anchor Mike Doocy, he suggested that the fight may not last long. However, in the same length, he pointed to a high likelihood of Paul moving around the ring.

So joining the dots, fans could be watching a typically aggressive Mike Tyson chasing an agile Jake Paul. However, unlike in his prime, Tyson may find it difficult to keep up with his younger opponent due to his age and potentially slower reflexes. Thus, as the rounds progress, the former heavyweight champion may slow down. Taking advantage, ‘The Problem Child’ may barge in with a short spurt of combinations.

The dance could therefore prolong and continue till the last round, leaving it for the judges to decide who shook a better leg.

While this is just an exercise in postulation, do you believe the Paul-Tyson fight is bound to end in a knockout? If so, then please do share your thoughts with us.