The countdown has seemed interminable, but fewer than eight weeks separate sports and boxing fans from watching arguably the fight of 2024: Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, squaring off in Arlington, Texas, in a fully-professional bout.

The 58-year-old Tyson is making his return to the ring after 19 years away, and the former heavyweight champion will have his hands full against the 27-year-old Paul when they take to the ring on Nov. 15. Analysis of the fight has been sharply divided; some believe Paul is capable of beating Tyson to a pulp, while others point to Tyson’s experience and professionalism as decisive factors. Although Iron Mike‘s health concerns have prompted worries over the fight going ahead as planned, Tyson himself only seems to be growing in confidence in the weeks before this highly-anticipated bout.

Tyson encourages bets: It’s a good idea

Paul may be the betting favorite to defeat Tyson at AT&T Stadium, but Tyson’s confidence is growing amid his rigorous training sessions and a back-and-forth with late night TV host Jimmy Kimmel.

During a recent appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live“, Kimmel revealed that he wants Tyson to topple Paul and is thinking about betting on Iron Mike. Tyson said “that’s a good idea” in response, amid Kimmel’s disbelief that Paul is favored over one of the most feared boxers of his generation.

“You are Mike Tyson, and he isn’t!” Kimmel said.

Tyson seems to be on the other side of the ulcer flare-up that prompted organizers to delay the Paul bout until November. Although he has worried fans with the revelation that walking has been difficult amid his fight prep, Tyson is publicly backing himself while offering respect to Paul for what he has achieved in boxing so far.

With Paul appearing likely to step away from the sport after fighting Tyson, the stage is set for a truly unforgettable showdown — with both fighters believing they should be favored to win.