This was a hill I was ready to die on.
But now, as we sit on the precipice of the year’s most anticipated boxing match, a fight between a 58-year-old and a YouTuber, maybe, just maybe – it’s time to admit I was wrong.
That aside, the entertainment value of this spectacle is undeniable. Yeah, he may be a cup of coffee from 60, but Mike Tyson is still Mike Tyson. He was known during his peak as the “baddest man on the planet,” and an “Iron Mike” bout was must-see TV. It usually wasn’t a question of whether he would win — it was more what round was the other guy getting his lights turned out. Tyson, who last fought professionally 19 years ago, finished his career with a 50-6 record (44 of those by knockout).
On the other side, there’s one of the biggest social media influencers in the history of social media influencers — 27-year-old Jake Paul. Paul has some 75 million followers spread across his various platforms. And love him or hate him, Paul isn’t a slouch in the ring. Yes, Paul cherry-picks his opponents carefully, mostly retired MMA guys, along with a rival YouTuber and an ex-NBA player sprinkled in. But he gets the job done. Paul has real punching power and carries a 10-1 record, with many of those victories coming by way of highlight-reel-worthy knockout. The lone blemish on Paul’s resume came against undefeated professional boxer Tommy Fury, the brother of future first-ballot hall-of-fame heavyweight Tyson Fury (and even that fight was close).
Tomorrow night, you can catch this spectacle on Netflix or head to one of these five local sports bars that are airing the fight.
Christies
2817 Greenville Ave.Christies is perhaps the most essential sports bar in Dallas. We can't even count the number of TVs here (rumor is there are more than 60). Just know that no matter where you sit, there isn't a bad seat in the house. There are daily specials and the menu runs from charcuterie boards to Frito Pie and dips galore. A party platter is loaded with favorites for $30.
FANZO Sports Bar
5977 Preston Road, FriscoFANZO Sports Bar is a 5,000-square-foot behemoth on Preston Road, just north of Lebanon Road. The two-story space has lots of seating and TVs for your crew. There are plenty of fun snacks (like spicy Manchurian or Gochujang sauced chicken lollipops), meals and more liquid than you'll know what to do with. Food and/or drink specials are offered "EVERY game day."
Frankie's Downtown
1303 Main St.Frankie's is a longtime downtown sports favorite. It can get pretty busy, but it's more fun that way. Service is always quick, and the food (wings, pizza, sandwiches, burgers) is always good. If you're downtown and looking for a great spot to watch the fight, head to Frankie's.
Sidecar Social
5100 Belt Line Road, AddisonSome bars are cozy and chill, but Sidecar Social is anything but. It's almost preposterously large, sprawling nearly 20,000 square feet. The main bar is flanked on three sides by 18-foot televisions to catch the fight. And during the undercard bouts (that most people ignore anyway), you can engage in friendly competition with traditional bar games such as table tennis, darts and shuffleboard, as well as more interactive games like bocce ball and foosball, set up on a large table for eight competitors. It's all free to play. Add a menu replete with delicious cocktails and chef-driven takes on bar classics, and it's easy to see why Sidecar Social has become a destination. There's also a Sidecar Social in Frisco.
Texas Live!
1650 E. Randoll Mill Road, ArlingtonTo call Texas Live! a sports bar doesn't quite do it justice. It's a sports bar conglomeration with a movie screen and fog machines. The food is what you'd expect at such a place; not from scratch or unforgettable by any means, but it'll get the job done when the game (or the fight, in this case) is the focus. Plus other eateries surround the command center, like Troy's (yes, that Troy) and Lockhart Barbecue.
