Boxing fans are not on board with YouTuber-turned-fighter Jake Paul stepping into the ring with former undisputed heavyweight world champ Mike Tyson. The unlikely duo are set to face off on Friday, November 15, at the colossal AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, where as many as 80,000 spectators could witness the spectacle.

In a groundbreaking move for Netflix, Tyson’s showdown with Paul will be streamed live, marking the streaming behemoth’s first foray into live combat sports broadcasting. Subscribers can catch all the action without additional pay-per-view fees.

Initially scheduled for July, the bout was postponed when Tyson experienced an ulcer flare-up mid-flight. Since rescheduling, the match has been met with considerable skepticism.

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, who will be present to cheer on Katie Taylor in her highly anticipated rematch against Amanda Serrano, has expressed his intention to skip the main event. Speaking to BBC Sport, Hearn explained, “We received a massive offer for Katie. I’m not going to tell her she’s not allowed to fight on that card,” adding, “Financially it’s the biggest purse of her career. I won’t be watching the main event. We’ll be there defending the belts, and then I’ll be off.”

Before the big fight, fans have been weighing in with their opinions. In two polls conducted by Mirror Fighting, fans were asked if they thought Paul should be stepping into the ring with Tyson and whether they planned to watch the match on Friday.

The results revealed that 63 percent of fans felt ‘The Problem Child’ shouldn’t be taking on ‘Iron Mike’, who is 31 years his senior. However, in a surprising twist, 67 percent said they would be tuning in to watch the fight.

If you can’t see the poll click here

With easy access to the event, it’s expected that millions around the globe will be watching on November 15. The boxing community has been vocal in their criticism since the fight was announced. One fan stated: “Jake Paul will never get any credit as a fighter until he fights and beats a legitimate top ranking active fighter of today in his weight class, period.”

Another commented: “He 58-years-old Jake, how the f— would this fight put you up top? This is a shame to boxing to be honest.”

A third added: “There will never be any glory in knocking out a 58-year-old retired fighter. Jake should get in line and go pro and see what he’s really made of.”

Mike Tyson on the pads

Mike Tyson prepares for the fight ( 

Image:

AP)

Yet another remarked: “This fight should be banned. A 58-year-old fighting a 26-year-old. Doesn’t matter if its Mike Tyson, he could be extremely hurt in this fight. I am a huge boxing fan but this is ridiculous,” while another user posted: “Never thought we’d arrive here. A 27-year-old YouTube boxer fighting a 58 year old Mike Tyson who’s old enough to be his grandpa. What an absolute disgrace to the sport.”

As the fight draws near, some fans are questioning whether the 58 year old is taking the match seriously. During a recent interview with Jimmy Kimmel, ‘Iron Mike’ claimed he was training six hours a day. “I am training extremely hard, I do six hours a day. I start at 11am and might leave the gym at 5pm,” he said.

Kimmel looked shocked and asked: “Oh no. 11am? So that’s six hours straight, or is there a lunch break? ” The former heavyweight champion admitted there was a small break, leaving Kimmel even more surprised: “Oh no.”

During the interview, when questioned about being high for his fight against Paul, Tyson responded: “I’m going to be so high off life, yeah.”

Kimmel pressed further, asking: “Will you be high on marijuana, as well? ” Tyson admitted: “That’s a possibility, too”, prompting Kimmel to joke: “Oh no my bet is getting lower as we talk.”