Mike Tyson and Jake Paul have very different stances on fighting again

The waiting is almost over – Mike Tyson and Jake Paul will finally collide in the ring in the early hours of Saturday morning UK time.

It’s both a battle of the generations and the genres as the former heavyweight champion of the world goes toe-to-toe with the YouTuber-turned-boxer over eight two-minute rounds. While the fight doesn’t sit well with many boxing purists – largely because of Tyson’s age, 58, and health concerns – there are no questions about the interest it has generated.

Tens of thousands of fans will pack into the AT&T Stadium in Texas while millions around the world will watch on Netflix. But what will happen when it’s all over?

Both men have very different plans. Tyson may disappoint those eager to see him hang up his gloves for the final time after hinting he would fight again.

Given the payday that would be on offer, the queue of potential opponents would stretch around the cavernous Dallas Cowboys Stadium. In a recent interview with talkSPORT, when asked whether he would consider fighting again, Iron Mike replied: "It’s a possibility."

While the match-up has received mixed reactions - with several big names in the boxing industry slamming the fight - Tyson admitted in a press conference back in May he could would be open for doing something similar again. "Hey, this has been pretty fun. Maybe we'll do it again, yeah," he said.

Without committing to any specific future opponents, the 58-year-old former champion also left the door open for more fights down the line, saying: "Can I take care of Jake first, please?" - and indicating a willingness to explore other significant matches or even step into the ring with some of today's leading boxers.

Former bitter rival Lennox Lennox, 59, has opened the door to a potential rematch of their 2002 showdown in Memphis which saw the British hero score a knockout win. Given both men were deemed past their prime 22 years ago, Tyson-Lewis 2 would certainly divide opinion.

In an interview with TMZ, Lewis said: "Let’s see how he makes out in this fight first. I have spoken to Mike, just about fighting. Let’s hope his health is OK."

GET INVOLVED! Should Tyson fight again after facing Paul? Tell us in the comments section.

While Tyson is seemingly open to fighting on, Paul, 27, whose best days in the ring could still be ahead of him, plans to take a break from the sport. He could even stop fighting entirely, depending on how the Tyson fight goes.

Speaking to streamer Adin Ross, Paul was asked what was next for him after the fight. He said: "I feel like I'm gonna take a little break.

"I'm gonna keep fighting, for sure. But I think my plan is to just get through November 15, have the best performance possible, knock Mike Tyson out and then just see how I'm feeling based off of that."

Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.