Francis Ngannou believes that Mike Tyson still has something to give as he prepares for his return to the ring. He thinks ‘Iron’ might have something in the tank for Jake Paul after all. Tyson and Paul meet each other in a pro heavyweight bout contested across eight two-minute rounds at AT&T Stadium. Many fans and pundits believe that Mike Tyson, at 58, is too old to fight. Especially against an active pro boxer at age 27.
‘The Predator’ feels otherwise. The former UFC HW had him in his corner when he faced ex-WBC lineal champ Tyson Fury in October. Francis Ngannou lost a bitter-sweet 95-94 split decision at the showcase bout despite some prime athleticism. However, he took his mentor’s training to heart and it showed. Now, Tyson is working on his own fighting comeback on November 15. Speaking at the media day for his PFL Super Fights: ‘Battle of the Giants’ pay-per-view, the Cameroonian noted his teacher’s strengths.
I think Tyson will still beat his a** up, …He’s definitely not as he was when he was young but when he moves around you and shows something, you’re like, ‘What the hell is this?’ That’s something people don’t understand about Mike Tyson…He moves from your left to your right in blink of an eye.
Francis Ngannou to Bloody Elbow during PFL ‘Battle of the Giants’ Media Day
Those who fear for the boxer facing a 31-year younger Jake Paul have more than ever ammo to do so. Mike Tyson recently suffered a cross-country ulcer flare-up during a flight from Miami to Los Angeles. Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) was surely to have an enormous edge over Paul. But with the further regression, ‘Problem Child,’ although a cruiserweight, with a 200-pound hydration limit, gains a problematic upper hand.
Subsequently, as soon as that happened, ‘Iron’ and all his experience went out the window. However, Francis Ngannou says he can be nimble as ever and shock everyone. Camp Tyson has also postulated that the vivid look of Tyson’s regressing health can be deceiving. The fight will stream live on Netflix and both boxers are engaging in some lofty aspirations for it.
Jake Paul touts Mike Tyson fight could break all-time record for live sport streaming
Paul (10-1) often catches flak for maintaining the narrative of victory against MMA washouts. However, the influencer-boxer has 7 KOs to his name and quite the pro boxing framework. Jake Paul’s matchup now commands the trifecta of drawing power with his influencer fandom, Mike Tyson, and the home of the Dallas Cowboys hosting a Netflix event.
Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight could break streaming record for live sport (Source: IMAGO/people.com)The number of people who want to see Tyson return alone is ginormous. All added, it makes for something spectacular despite the reluctance in matchmaking. Despite the extensive framework, there will be no extra pay-per-view option. Standard subscribers can tune in without having to pay more than their monthly fee. Jake Paul revels in the fact that his fully pro-sanctioned bout has drawn the ire of the combat world.
I think that was like the eighth biggest ever, …I think everyone would be happy with like 25 million. That would break the streaming record of the AFC game, which was streamed on Peacock and got like 22million live viewers. So if we beat that, everyone is going to be happy…who knows? Maybe, we’re entering the streaming era of boxing where it kind of goes back to being a free model.
Jake Paul to Bloody Elbow during PFL ‘Battle of the Giants’ Media Day
With no pay-per-view paywall, the duo is projected to bring in monstrous numbers. When the two co-headlined a card in 2020 against Nate Robinson and Roy Jones Jr., they reportedly sold over 1.8 million PPVs. As the service has over 250,000 paid subscribers worldwide, the fight has the potential to pull huge audiences. Last year’s NFL AFC Wild Card game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins holds the streaming record with 23 million.
