- Heavy hitters will come together in Texas despite 31-year age difference
- Tyson has returned in good shape and made weigh-in for the bout
- Aussies remain divided on who will win the battle of generations
Australian boxer Ebanie ‘Blonde Bomber’ Bridges has made her call on who wins the megafight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, but it comes with a condition.
Tyson, the former undisputed heavyweight champion, is set to face YouTuber-turned-professional boxer Paul today at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The eight-round professional bout will be streamed live globally on Netflix, marking the platform’s first live sports event.
Tyson, at 58, returns to the ring after nearly two decades, while Paul, 27, boasts a 10-1 record with notable victories over former NBA player Nate Robinson and ex-UFC fighter Ben Askren.
Despite Tyson’s powerful history, Paul enters the fight as warm favourite because of the age barrier between the pair.
But Bridges is not sure that age difference will matter as much as some of the experts are predicting when they clash in the ring.
‘Just woke up to see Mike Tyson slapping JP haha oh boy Jake is in trouble,’ the Aussie fighter posted after the explosive weigh-in between the pair.
However she overlooked one key aspect of the fight – the gloves they will be wearing for highly anticipated showdown.
‘With 14 ounce gloves on? No he’s not,’ one of Bridges’ followers replied to her prediction.
‘Oh is it 14oz gloves ? I didn’t know this,’ Bridges then posted.
The 14-ounce gloves Tyson and Paul will be wearing and not usually used in competitive bouts.
They provide extra padding, offering better protection for both the wearer’s hands and the opponent, making them commonly used in training, sparring, or exhibition matches.
They reduce hand speed and punching power compared to lighter gloves, prioritising safety over impact – which many believe will nullify Tyson’s big shots.
However Bridges said the result will not come down to who hits the hardest, but how an ageing Tyson will be able to take the blows from his much younger opponent.
‘I think the only question is does he have punch resistance himself at this age but I have no doubt he still explosive and strong asf,’ she posted.
Bridges is not the only Aussie backing Tyson to use his power game, despite the change of gloves.
‘Some professional boxers hold the view that those gloves still hurt. If someone has power they will still inflict damage. It’s whether there will be power punches thrown that matters,’ one posted.
But many remain divided on who will claim honours in the clash of generations.
’14 oz gloves won’t matter, Jake is clumsy, old head Mike about to give him a boxing lesson,’ one posted.
‘Do you reckon they will allow Mike to get that close during the fight tho? I’m hoping and praying he does and ends that prat’s hopes,’ posted another.
‘I think Mike has to land big and early. I’m desperate for him to win but sadly I can’t see it. Just hope he gets through it safely. How good would a first round KO be for Tyson?’ added another.
