Whatever you think about influencer boxing matches, there’s no doubting the extra attention these bouts bring to the sport. Former heavyweight champion of the world Mike Tyson takes on YouTube star Jake Paul on Friday in Texas.
Although initial speculation was that it would largely be an exhibition, it received a sanction as an official professional fight, with the boxers duking it out for eight rounds, two minutes apiece.
BetMGM posting Jake Paul as the -190 favorite versus +188 for Tyson
Most popular sportsbooks offer various markets on the fight, with BetMGM posting Jake Paul as the -190 favorite versus +188 for 58-year-old Tyson. Anyone fancying a draw will get +900 on this outcome. Early odds priced a Paul victory as likely as -500 in March, with operators now anticipating a much closer contest.
They also believe the fight won’t go the distance, with Tyson’s age going against him lasting that long. BetRivers has rounds three and four as the likeliest period when the fight will end.
Whatever the outcome on Friday night, both fighters will walk away significantly richer than when they entered the ring. Jake Paul will earn an estimated $40m and Tyson’s cut is rumored to be $20m.