Jake Paul and Mike Tyson are set to face off at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, at approximately 11 p.m. EST on Friday night, but concerns about the fight's legitimacy continue to mount.

The bout, originally scheduled for July, was postponed due to Tyson's ulcer flareup. At 58 years old, Tyson hasn't fought professionally since 2005, when he quit against Kevin McBride, admitting he only fought for the paycheck.

Several factors have raised skepticism about the fight's authenticity:

• Nine state gaming regulators have banned betting on the match
• The use of 14-ounce gloves instead of standard 10-ounce heavyweight gloves
• Tyson's unprecedented pre-fight slap during weigh-in
• The 31-year age gap between competitors

MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian strongly denies allegations of the fight being scripted, citing legal implications of committing federal fraud. However, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and Athletic Commission are sanctioning the event.

The financial stakes are significant:

• Over 60,000 tickets sold
• $15 million+ gate revenue (highest outside Las Vegas)
• Jake Paul's projected earnings: $40 million
• Mike Tyson's projected earnings: $21 million

The event will stream exclusively on Netflix, marking a significant milestone for boxing broadcasting. Despite concerns about Tyson's safety and the fight's legitimacy, both fighters maintain this is a genuine competition rather than an exhibition match.

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