BOXING
Boxing

Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul fight set to smash sportsbook records

Bettors rally around Iron Mike in anticipation of the Friday night bout

Jake Paul Favored, But Tyson Draws Betting Surge Ahead of Fight
Jake Paul Favored, But Tyson Draws Betting Surge Ahead of Fight(AP Photo/Sam Hodde, File)LAPRESSE

On Friday night, the boxing world is set to witness a battle that brings an unexpected twist to the sport's legacy: 57-year-old Mike Tyson will face off against internet star-turned-boxer Jake Paul at AT&T Stadium. The fight, streamed on Netflix, is already drawing massive interest, but it's not just the spectacle that has fans buzzing-this matchup is anticipated to shatter betting records, enticing veteran gamblers and newcomers alike.

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In a sport where tradition meets the unpredictable, Tyson's underdog status has intensified the betting frenzy. This matchup has all the right ingredients for record-breaking numbers, according to BetMGM's senior trader Alex Rella. "We expect the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight to be the most bet on boxing match in BetMGM history," Rella said, highlighting the clash of generations and personalities that makes this an irresistible event for sports bettors.

As of now, Paul enters the ring as the favorite, holding a -210 advantage on BetMGM, with Tyson as a +170 underdog. But the betting split tells a different story: Tyson has grabbed the majority of wagers, with 76 percent of tickets and 59 percent of the money leaning toward him. It seems the allure of seeing the legendary "Iron Mike" deliver a knockout is too tempting to up. "Bettors want to see Paul get knocked out and love Tyson as an underdog," Rella added, noting that the book will be rooting for Paul to emerge victorious.

Paul's rise in the boxing world has already made waves in the betting arena. Known for his bouts against former athletes and YouTubers, he's racked up six of the top 25 most bet-on boxing matches in BetMGM history. His August 2023 fight against Nate Diaz took the second spot, proving his drawing power even in a sport where traditional fans often scoff at his presence. Yet, with Tyson as his opponent, Paul might be facing his most dangerous challenge-and fans are eager to see if he can withstand it.

Odds favor Paul, but Tyson's legacy draws betting surge as New York fans miss o ut

On BetMGM's three-way moneyline, Paul holds a slight edge at -190, with Tyson at +188 and a tie listed at +900. Despite the odds favoring Paul, the surge of for Tyson reveals a nostalgic, almost defiant belief in the boxing legend's enduring power. Many fans, it seems, still Tyson's heyday and believe he has one more big moment left in him.

But not everyone can the betting action. New York State is among seven states barring wagers on this particular bout due to the fight's non-traditional rules. The New York State Gaming Commission has specific guidelines for sanctioned fights, which typically require three-minute rounds and 10-ounce gloves, according to Brad Maione, the Commission's communications director. Tyson and Paul, however, will battle it out in two-minute rounds with 14-ounce gloves, a setup that has relegated the bout to the sidelines for New York bettors.

Despite the limitations, this fight is poised to redefine betting trends, as fans rally around the larger-than-life personalities stepping into the ring. With a few days left until Tyson and Paul meet, money is already pouring in, setting the stage for a record-breaking night.

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