Why was the Tyson vs. Paul fight sanctioned, and is it safe? - ESPN

MIKE TYSON SAT on the canvas with his back against the ropes, exhausted and defeated.

That was the final image of the once seemingly invincible heavyweight champion in the ring for a sanctioned fight, TKO'd in embarrassing fashion by journeyman Kevin McBride.

Tyson was weeks shy of his 39th birthday for his boxing swan song on June 5, 2005, in Washington, D.C.

«I do not have the guts to be in this sport anymore,» Tyson said after that fight. «I don't want to disrespect the sport that I love. My heart is not into this anymore. I'm sorry for the fans who paid for this.»

Nearly 20 years later at the age of 58, Tyson will once again lace up the gloves for a sanctioned bout Friday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas (Netflix, 8 p.m. ET). His opponent is social media star Jake Paul, who has carved an in-ring career out of novelty fights but has gained respect from top-level boxers such as former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and former two-division champion Devin Haney.

Though Paul possessed no boxing background before he turned pro in January 2020, the 27-year-old has developed into a competent boxer, feasting on former UFC fighters with some spectacular KOs. He's competed 11 times over the past four years and has never been stopped or even knocked down. His only loss was a split decision to Tommy Fury in 2023. Paul is a -235 favorite, per ESPN BET, to defeat Tyson, one of the most recognizable people in the world.

Now, Paul will fight on his biggest stage yet, even if this latest novelty boxing match features him in a headliner against a man 31 years older with a history of health issues.

This event, which was organized by Paul's Most Valuable Promotions, features two world title fights on the undercard including a rematch