Four decades. 50 wins. 44 knockouts. And now — after setbacks, delays, and months of training — The Baddest Man on the Planet, aka Iron Mike, is back for what could be the most monumental fight of his career against Jake “El Gallo” Paul. 

Tyson began boxing at age 12 under the guidance of trainer Cus D’Amato. At just 20 years old, he became the youngest heavyweight champion in history, winning the WBC title against Trevor Berbick in 1986. His record has still not been broken. Known for his incredible speed, power, and relentless approach in the ring, Tyson dominated many of his opponents, unifying the heavyweight division by winning the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles and becoming the first heavyweight to hold all three major belts simultaneously.

Tyson’s Nov. 15 fight against Jake “The Problem Child” Paul is the climax to a story that’s been unfolding in recent years.

Tyson’s last official match took place in 2005. After a 15-year hiatus, Tyson returned to the ring for an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020. The fight went the full eight rounds and ended in a draw. Paul was on the Tyson-Jones undercard, and conversations began to swirl about what it might look like if the GOAT faced off with the kid from Ohio. Tyson and Paul’s contrasting backgrounds — a legendary former champion and a modern internet sensation — created a compelling narrative, and the fight became a hot topic in the boxing community, with fans eager to see how the two would measure up in the ring. 

Mike Tyson stands victorious in “The Clash for the Crown,”  a professional boxing match contested on Oct. 16, 1987.

Jeffrey Asher/Getty Images

However, the road to the fight was not without its setbacks: Originally scheduled for July 20, Paul vs. Tyson was moved to Friday, Nov. 15, after Tyson had to scale back training on medical recommendation after an ulcer flare-up. However, Tyson says he’s more than prepared to make his return.

“I feel great and training is going very well,” Tyson tells Tudum. “I’m well prepared and will knock out Jake Paul in glorious fashion.”

The outcome of the Nov. 15 bout could ultimately reflect Tyson’s enduring skill and power — but no matter the outcome, it unequivocally symbolizes a comeback. Tyson is reclaiming his place in the boxing world.

“[I’m doing it] because I can,” Tyson says. “Who else can do it but me? Just look at it. Who else is he gonna fight to make this happen?”

Click the links to learn more about opponent Jake Paul, and co-main event fighters Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano. Ahead of the fight, learn more about the journey to the ring in Countdown: Paul vs. Tyson, a three-part documentary coming to Netflix.

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