X

WWE Icon Ric Flair Says He'll Be in Mike Tyson's Corner for Jake Paul Netflix Fight

Mike Chiari@@mikechiariX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IVNovember 15, 2024

CLEVELAND, OH - March 8: Rick Flair at the Minnesota Timberwolves vs the Cleveland Cavaliers game on March 8, 2024 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/NBAE via Getty Images)
Lauren Leigh Bacho/NBAE via Getty Images

WWE Hall of Famer and 16-time world wrestling champion "Nature Boy" Ric Flair expressed support for Mike Tyson ahead of his highly anticipated boxing match against Logan Paul on Friday.

Flair posted a photo of himself and Tyson on X, noting that he will "be in [Tyson's] corner" and "party all night long" with him after he wins:

Ric Flair® @RicFlairNatrBoy

Today Is Your Big Day! LFG <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeTyson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MikeTyson</a>! I'll Be In Your Corner! We Will Party All Night Long To Celebrate When You Win! WOOOOO! <a href="https://t.co/OahJTcMdkN">pic.twitter.com/OahJTcMdkN</a>

It is unclear if Flair saying he will be in Tyson's corner means he will actually be ringside as part of his entourage or if he is merely rooting for him, but it is a major endorsement for Iron Mike regardless.

During his heyday, Tyson was one of the most dominant heavyweight boxers of all time, holding multiple world titles and posting a record of 50-6 with 44 wins by way of knockout.

Tyson has not had an official professional fight since 2005, but that is set to change Friday when the 58-year-old meets Paul.

Flair knows a thing or two about performing at an older age, as he competed in the final match of his illustrious career two years ago when he was 73 years old.

While Flair labored through the match, Tyson looks to be in phenomenal physical condition for his age, and there is at least some belief that he has a chance to beat the 27-year-old Paul.

Paul did not enter the pro boxing ranks until 2020, but he has quickly made a name for himself, compiling a 10-1 record with many of those victories coming against former UFC standouts.

Tyson is by far the most accomplished boxer he has ever faced, but the age gap may still give Paul an advantage.

There has already been a decided pro wrestling-esque feel to the build toward Friday's fight, as Tyson forcefully slapped Paul during Thursday's weigh-in.

Netflix @netflix

MIKE TYSON HITS JAKE PAUL AT THE WEIGH IN <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PaulTyson?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PaulTyson</a><br>--<br>LIVE ON NETFLIX<br>FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15<br>8 PM ET | 5 PM PT <a href="https://t.co/kFU40jVvk0">pic.twitter.com/kFU40jVvk0</a>

Perhaps that shouldn't come as a surprise since Tyson served as he special enforcer for the WrestleMania 14 match between "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels, and Paul's brother, Logan Paul, is an active WWE Superstar.

Despite the pro wrestling elements to their rivalry, Tyson and Paul will clash in a legitimate boxing match Friday, giving Tyson a chance to further cement his legacy and Paul the opportunity to take a huge step forward in his career.

The card will stream live on Netflix beginning at 8 p.m. ET with every fight taking place at the Dallas Cowboys' AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.


Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. Catch the latest episode in the player below.