Paddy Power on course for RECORD PAYOUT if one specific outcome happens in Jake Paul v Mike Tyson – after thousands of punters all bet on same thing after explosive weigh-in

Bookmaker Paddy Power fears the biggest boxing payout in their 36-year history after a host of punters all put their money on the same market for the huge fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson.

‘Iron Mike’, the undisputed world heavyweight champion between 1987 and 1990, is set to make a long-awaited return to professional boxing in his fight against the YouTuber turned boxer in Arlington, Texas in the early hours of Saturday morning (GMT) .

The fight was postponed from its original date in July when a flare-up of an ulcer on a plane meant Tyson, 58, was advised to postpone the bout.

After a fairly tame build-up, things came to life at the weigh-in on Thursday night after the former ‘Problem Child’ champion punched Paul, 27, in the face, allegedly for ‘standing on his foot’.

While the pre-match fireworks seemed staged, thousands of eagle-eyed viewers have noticed a trend they think could play out in the fight and decided to bet on it.

The sharp blow, which appeared to twist Paul’s neck, has led many to believe Tyson will do the same in the actual fight, with a host of betters now backing him to knock down his opponent in the very first round.

Punters were motivated by the former champion’s punch on the YouTuber last night

Tyson and Paul were on the scale for just 24 hours before meeting in the ring in Texas

It’s believed the market was fairly calm until the chaos of the weigh-in, at which point fight fans in the mood decided on a whim to make the most of the 8/1 and put some money on the selection.

To sweeten the deal, many of the backers are taking advantage of a £1 free bet offer available from Paddy Power to limit the risk.

The bookmakers said: ‘Our traders couldn’t see anything other than a Jake Paul win in the build-up – surprisingly, considering he’s half his age – and he’s still our huge favorite to win the match himself.

‘But grandpa Mike’s blow seems to have given fans and our punters some hope that he still has the fire in the belly.

‘We’re giving away a free bet before the fight and our customers are all betting on the same bet, which is always a huge concern, while also hammering away at the same selection with their own money.

“Needless to say, I’ll feel like I’ve been punched in the face when Jake hits the canvas in the first round in Dallas.”

It’s not clear exactly how many people have bet money on the first-round knockdown, but it’s believed it would comfortably be the biggest boxing payout in the brand’s history.

Following the dramatic trade-off, Tyson’s former training partner and politician Tom Patti revealed the reason why the 58-year-old lashed out at Paul.

Paul was accused of ‘disrespect’ and being ‘a lurching animal’ by crawling towards Tyson

‘Iron Mike’ was the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world for three years from 1987 to 1990

The American last fought professionally in a loss to Kevin McBride in June 2005

“Jake stepped on Mike’s foot, which caused the reaction,” Patti, one of Tyson’s longtime friends, said USA today.

“I was there and Mike just told me. My personal opinion (is) that Jake shows enough disrespect that he starts crawling towards Mike and then jumps in front of him… like some kind of swinging animal. Mike put him in his place.”

Footage appears to back up Patti’s comments with Paul, who was wearing sneakers and landed on the top of Tyson’s right foot prior to the confrontation.

Tyson, meanwhile, said: “I had my socks on and he had shoes on, he stepped on my toe because he was fucking a hole. I was in a lot of pain. I had to answer something.”

Paddy Power’s legions will be hoping the former heavyweight champion repeats the move in the opening round of Friday night’s match.