Everything you need to know ahead of Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson

Jake Paul and Mike Tyson have been the talk of the boxing world for the better part of a year, and the YouTube star turned prizefighter and former heavyweight champion will finally meet in the ring Friday.

The polarizing and controversial yet must-see fight is scheduled to take place at the home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with over 65,000 fans expected to attend. There is a three-decade age gap between the two competitors; Paul is 27 years old and Tyson is 58. It will be Tyson's first professional bout since 2005 and his first time competing at all since 2020.

Here's everything you need to know ahead of the blockbuster matchup.

How do I watch the fight?

Paul-Tyson - and the three other fights scheduled for the main card - will stream live on Netflix, with the main card beginning at 8 p.m. ET. It requires a basic subscription to watch, starting at $6.99 USD a month. This event marks Netflix's first foray into live combat sports and, if it's a success, could lead to a shift in the broadcasting landscape.

Will it be contested under professional boxing rules?

Yes, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which oversees combat sports in the state, sanctioned Paul-Tyson as a professional boxing match.

However, there are two significant rule modifications to be aware of.

Paul and Tyson will fight for a maximum of eight two-minute rounds instead of the standard three minutes per round. Additionally, they will wear 14-ounce gloves instead of the usual 12-ounce ones.

As with any pro bout, however, Friday's result will count on both men's records.

But will it be a real fight?

From the looks of it, Paul and Tyson are both planning to try their hardest to win the fight. Paul guaranteed a knockout victory during a sit-down interview with Tyson earlier this week, while Tyson said at open workouts that his "intention is to hurt" Paul.

It's hard to say what the fight will look like, given it's a 58-year-old boxing legend against a capable but not elite 27-year-old. But if Paul and Tyson live up to their word, it'll be a real fight. It won't be like Tyson's exhibition bout with Roy Jones Jr. in 2020 or the exhibition between Jake's older brother Logan Paul and Floyd Mayweather in 2021.

How is Tyson's health after his medical emergency this summer?

Tyson has maintained he's in good health. The former heavyweight champ suffered an ulcer flare-up on a flight in May that forced the Paul fight - originally scheduled for July - to be postponed. He recently revealed some grim details surrounding the scare, including that he threw up blood and lost 26 pounds before recovering.

Five months later, Tyson's doctor and the Texas commission seem to be confident that he's fit to compete - or else the fight wouldn't be happening.

Isn't Tyson way bigger than Paul? Won't he easily win by KO?

Actually, you might be surprised to know that Paul is 3 inches taller than Tyson (6-foot-1 compared to 5-10) and has a 5-inch reach advantage. Tyson is the natural heavyweight and is stockier, but Paul won't look out of place or face a significant disadvantage.

What will Paul do next if he wins? What about Tyson?

Nothing is lined up for Paul after he fights Tyson, though there are a handful of opponents who could be next. A rematch with Tommy Fury - who handed Paul his lone defeat in February 2023 - would make some sense, as would a matchup with fellow internet celebrity KSI.

As for Tyson, don't be surprised if this is his final boxing match, win or lose. That said, money always talks.

Are there any other fights on the card worth checking out?

The co-main event is a rematch between undisputed junior welterweight champion Katie Taylor and unified featherweight champ Amanda Serrano - and it's easily the best fight on the card.

Taylor defeated Serrano by split decision in a lightweight title defense in April 2022. It was the first women's bout in boxing history to headline Madison Square Garden, and it was an absolute barn burner - some considered it the fight of the year.

Taylor is 2-1 since then - and now competing in a heavier division - while Serrano is a perfect 5-0. We're in for a treat if the rematch is half as exciting as the first one.