Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul is upon us.
What is expected to be one of the most watched fights in boxing history has divided opinion since the moment it was announced with 31 years in age separating the heavyweight legend and the YouTuber-turned-fighter.
Tyson was once one of the most feared men on the planet, leaving a devastating trail of destruction in his wake as he conquered the sport.
Paul, boxing’s disrupter-in-chief, has his own dazzling highlight reel of knockouts under his belt as he looks to secure his biggest victory to date.
Everyone has their opinion on what will go down tonight. The biggest names from boxing’s past and present give their verdict as we count down to the opening bell.
Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul predictions
Anthony Joshua – former heavyweight champion
‘He’s [Mike Tyson] older now, I pray that he comes out healthy. I think Jake Paul because of youth—that’s the only thing.’
Verdict? Paul to win
Evander Holyfield – heavyweight legend and former Tyson opponent
‘My whole thing is that it’s an exhibition, so I don’t know what’s gonna happen.
‘I just know that Mike Tyson’s supposed to beat him. He’s supposed to.
‘But, in a situation like this it’s a big money thing, so ain’t no telling what’s gonna happen. I’m gonna be there. I’ll go watch it.’
Verdict? On the fence
Tyson Fury – former heavyweight champion
‘If Mike Tyson hits anybody, I don’t care if he’s 90, he’s going to knock them out cold isn’t he? He’s Iron Mike Tyson, the baddest man on the planet.
‘Jake Paul is very experienced now and he’s had a lot of fights but obviously, I have to back Mike Tyson for the knockout as he always backs me.’
Verdict? Tyson to win
KSI – Influencer boxing star and Paul rival
‘Jake Paul will knock out Mike Tyson. This will not be close at all.
‘Boxing is a young man’s game and Mike is 58 years old. They’re sending a lamb to the slaughter and it’s disgusting.’
Verdict? Paul to win
Lennox Lewis – heavyweight legend and former Tyson opponent
‘It’s hard to box when you’re that old, moving around the ring, throwing punches, getting punches thrown at you, but I think he can handle it.
‘I was thinking that Jake Paul was going to be in trouble, because Mike Tyson knows how to throw great body punches, great head shots. We just have to see if he’s going to do them in the ring – I’m hoping that he’ll do that.’
Verdict? Tyson to win
Frazer Clarke – heavyweight contender
‘I am going to say Jake Paul will get the win. He might be just too young and too fit and from what I have seen from him, he is an athlete with some real power.
‘I can’t call it as a fight, I just hope Tyson gets out of the ring alive and okay. I’m not bothered about the result. It is a circus. I don’t know in what way anyone can come out of this in a good light. The only good way anyone can shine is if Tyson knocks Jake Paul out.
Verdict? Paul to win
Carl Froch – former world champion
‘It’s an exhibition fight. I don’t think it should be happening because Tyson is too old. I don’t think it proves anything when Jake Paul beats him, I’ve heard and believe that there is something in the contract which means Tyson can’t even try and hurt him.
‘Tyson can probably come out in the first 30 seconds of the fight and have a good go at Jake Paul, but ultimately it’s an old man against a young man, it’s not fair. It’s happening because it’s money-spinner and, from that point of view, I admire it. Jake Paul is, if nothing else, a money machine. He’s got his demographic, his audience of teenagers.’
Verdict? Paul to win
Roy Jones Jr – former world champion
‘Well, I like Mike, probably by decision. But if he chooses to go out and take him out, I think he ca
‘However, I feel like if he feels comfortable he will just box and enjoy himself because why get in shape to go one round.
‘I don’t fear for Mike and how old he is. Mike is still hard to hit and Mike still hits hard as hell.’
Verdict? Tyson to win