TOLEDO, Ohio — For coverage of the fight, click here.
All eyes were on Dallas Friday night as iconic boxer Mike Tyson squared off against YouTuber Jake Paul in a highly-anticipated boxing match streamed on Netflix.
Both fighters have connections to Ohio. Tyson once owned a mansion near Cleveland while Paul grew up in the city. But, it's the atmosphere in Toledo that’s truly electrified as fans anticipated and watched the event.
Before the fight on Friday, boxers of all ages at Soul City Gym in central Toledo were excitedly discussing the bout.
The gym, which focuses on using boxing to teach discipline, self-love and mental health, is filled with energy and opinions.
One young boxer, Kaiden Benson, who has been training for eight years, said he watches Paul on YouTube.
“He’s pretty fast and strong,” Kaiden said.
But he still thinks Paul doesn't have what it takes to win.
Roshawn Jones, known as “Coach Roe” at the gym, has also been following the hype.
"The whole city's been talking about this fight," Jones said of Toledo. “Jake Paul, I don’t know, he’s young and strong, but I’m rooting for the living legend.”
While Paul’s youth is seen as an advantage, many at Soul City Gym believe in Tyson’s unmatched experience.
Jones said Tyson overcoming mental health challenges is something he teaches at the gym.
“That’s what we do here: help kids overcome mental health stresses and keep them off the streets,” he said.
The fight has divided opinions among the young boxers, with some supporting Paul, while others are firmly in Tyson's corner.
Regardless of the outcome, Tyson is expected to walk away with a substantial payday. Reports indicate he could earn $20 million from Monday's fight.