Former heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson believes Floyd Mayweather will "kill" social media influencer Logan Paul in their exhibition fight on Monday (AEST).
Boxing traditionalists may be crying foul over the bout but the undefeated retired star's willingness to invest in an exhibition bout adds more weight to the notion that such events are trending and will become a more permanent fixture on the combat sports scene.
Mayweather, 44, is returning to the ring for his third exhibition after taking on Conor McGregor in 2017 and Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa 2018. And while the man himself has described the fight as "legalised robbery" and not even a contest, Tyson believes the boxing legend is going to make an example of Paul.
"Floyd is going to kill this guy, man," Tyson told Reuters.
"Floyd stays in the gym, he's never out of shape.
"He's going to have so much fun winning this money."
Paul's brother Jake did him a huge favour in stealing Mayweather's hat at a press conference ahead of the fight, with the stunt raking in millions of views. However, the act reportedly upset Mayweather and has vowed to teach the brothers a lesson, with the boxing great odds on to fight Jake next, after the latter recently signed with Showtime.
While there are varying reports about how much each man will make for the fight, it's understood Paul could make up to $A26m, while the 50-0 star is set to earn up to $A132 million.
"If I win, it's the greatest upset in the history of combat sports," Paul said. "Time stands still. The Earth stops revolving on its axis. It's the genesis.
"If Floyd Mayweather wins, nothing happens. No one cares. Congrats, bro, you beat a YouTuber. You want a cookie? Move on."
Here's everything you need to know for the fight.
When is it happening?
The fight will take place on Monday, June 7.
The broadcast starts at 10am AEST but the main event between Mayweather and Paul is scheduled to start at 12pm, with only four fights on the whole card.
Venue
The event will take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
How to Watch or follow
Fans in Australia can order the fight for $49.99 (AUD) on Main Event.
Or you can follow all the live action on Wide World of Sports' live blog.
The Odds
Mayweather is a huge favourite paying $1.14 for the win to Paul's $5.
The Rules
Eight rounds, three minutes each.
There won't be judges, scorecards or an official winner announced if the fight goes the distance.
There will be a referee in the ring with both fighters wearing 10-oz gloves.
Knockouts allowed
Paul must weigh in at 190lbs (86kg) – if he goes in over that weight he'll have to pay $100,000 for every pound he's over the limit.
Mayweather is expected to tip the scales at 160 lbs (72.5kg) which would be a career high for the 44-year-old.
Who else is fighting?
There are two competitive fights on the card with Badou Jack vs Dervin Colina and Jarrett Hurd vs Luis Arias.
Jack is a former world champion in two weights and is still a draw card in the sport. He was set to have a rematch with WBA world champion Jean Pascal after their war in 2019, but Pascal last month failed two doping tests. He has since been replaced by 33-year-old Dervin Colina.
While Jarrett Hurd, a fighter seen as one of the best super welterweights in the world and mentioned as a possible opponent for Tim Tszyu, takes on Luis Arias.
Hurd was last in action in January last year when he dropped Francisco Santana in the 10th and final round to win a wide points decision at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
FULL CARD
Floyd Mayweather vs Logan Paul – exhibition (8 rounds)
Badou Jack vs Dervin Colina – light heavyweight (10 rounds)
Jarrett Hurd vs Luis Arias – junior middleweight (10 rounds)
Chad Johnson vs Brian Maxwell – exhibition (4 rounds)
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