YouTuber Jake Paul and former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson are set to exchange fists. The duo initially planned to exchange blows in the ring in July, but Tyson’s ulcer flare up caused the date to be moved back. Now it’s set for Friday, Nov. 15. Bettors have not been shy about placing wagers on the bout.
Paul has thrived selling bigtime fights in recent years and has been a competitor in several of BetMGM’s most bet brawls. Paul has been in six of the the top 25 ost-bet boxing matches in BetMGM history. His fight against Nate Diaz in August of 2023, which Paul won by decision, was the second-most-bet boxing match in BetMGM history. Only the Gervonta Davis-Ryan Garcia fight from April of 2023 brought more money to the table at BetMGM.
Paul boasts a 10-1 boxing record but is 2-1 against actual professional boxers. He’s won four straight fights since losing to Tommy Paul via split decision in February of 2023, but bettors think 58-year-old Tyson will give paul a run-for-his money as the underdog. They appear to be chasing significant return on investment given the most popular bets being placed.
The most-bet ticket is Tyson to win by knockout, technical knockout, or disqualification at +275. The second-most popular wager is Tyson to win on points at +1000. Bets on Tyson to win the first round (+1400) tails the aforementioned props to complete the public's top three choices. But what’s the smart bet to make?
Paul, 27, has largely made a habit out of fighting older and lighter opponents. Tyson will be 31 years his senior on fight night. Tyson was also a much higher-caliber boxer at his peak than the boxers Paul has previously fought and has experience fighting opponents weighing over 200 pounds, unlike Paul. Age seems likely to be the determining factor, though.
Tyson fought in a split-decision draw bout against 55-year-old Roy Jones Jr. in 2020 and both appeared to run out of gas in the eight-round exhibition. Paul has remained in fighting shape for the most part and should have more energy, so taking him at -200 on the moneyline is a strong play. Sprinkling a little something on Tyson to win the first round could be worth a smaller side bet, as that’s when the dynamic puncher will be the freshest.