Topics: Mike Tyson, Boxing, Boxing News, Jake Paul
Boxing's undisputed and lineal world lightweight champion Katie Taylor appeared to make an extraordinary bet with Jake Paul during Wednesday's press conference.
In what is expected to be one of the most viewed bouts in modern boxing history, former undisputed heavyweight champion Tyson will go head-to-head with YouTube personality Paul in Friday's much-anticipated main event.
The card, which will be streamed globally on Netflix, will also feature a handful of must-watch fights. Mario Barrios will defend his WBC welterweight title against Abel Ramos, while Bruce Carrington takes on Dana Coolwell at featherweight.
But perhaps the most anticipated match-up is the rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano – two years after their bout at Madison Square Garden, when Taylor came out on top via split decision.
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The 38-year-old, from Bray, Ireland, will reportedly earn $6 million (£4.7m) to defend her IBF, WBC and WBO super-lightweight titles, according to talkSPORT. Serrano, meanwhile, has claimed her purse is even bigger.
Taylor might walk away with that seven-figure sum. We say might because the current champion appeared to bet her entire fight purse that Mike Tyson beats Jake Paul in Friday's main event.
That's right. During the press conference on Wednesday, host Ariel Helwani asked every fighter on the card who they thought would win between Paul and Tyson – and the majority went with 'Iron Mike', despite his age.
Paul went on to ask all those who picked Tyson to have a bet with him on the outcome of the bout, and some agreed, but it was Taylor's response that got people talking.
Remarkably, she appeared to shake hands with Paul after asking him to bet his purse. "I'm sending out contracts too," added Paul.
Tyson, meanwhile, is in confident spirits ahead of Friday's bout with Paul.
"I'm bringing the devil himself [to the ring]," he told reporters. "There are no feelings attached. My own mother should be very careful if she has to get in the ring with me. When it's over, it's over. But while the process is going on, my intention is to hurt him."
Tyson added: "I hope he has the same intentions, or he is in trouble."
