Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Could Bring in Largest Audience in Decades

On Tuesday's edition of Toucher & Hardy, Chris Mannix who covers boxing and the NBA for Sports Illustrated, joined the show and explained how the upcoming bout between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson could bring in more then 50 million viewers.

Fred Toucher: Is there any incentive for them to try? Since it doesn't go on their professional record? Like, what's the incentive for the two of them to, like, hurt each other?

Chris Mannix: I mean, it's a good question. I guess the incentive is not to humiliate themselves in front of the largest audience boxing has seen in decades, right, because I think the audience is going to tune in. You know, 40 million, 50 million, maybe more watching this fight on Netflix. Who is going to do, I'm sure an incredible job marketing it leading up to July 20th. You know, I talked to to Lou DiBella, the long time boxing promoter, over the weekend, and I was asking him about, you know, filling up AT&T Stadium in Dallas. He's like, "oh, I think they can do it." I think they can get, you know, 60,000 fans inside that building for fight night because of the names of Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. So if you have that kind of television audience and you have that kind of in person audience, you're gonna be motivated to to to at least have a good showing there. What that ultimate looks like? I don't know, but I don't think it will just be, you know, two guys kind of hugging get each other, getting through a six round fight.

Hardy: Fred has worried about this because you don't want to see Tyson embarrassed. I kind of of the same thought process here that it doesn't matter if he still possesses that knockout powers of former heavyweight champion at his age. It's all about conditioning. Will he be able to have the legs and the lungs to stay in there long enough to not embarrass himself or maybe even do some damage as compared to somebody who's 30 years younger than him.

Chris Mannix: Yeah, the short answer to that is no, he doesn't. He's almost 58 years old and he smokes weed every day. Like, we cannot expect him more than the first 20 or 30s of every round to be anything but an old man in the ring. I mean, we're all going to be watching god knows how many Instagram videos of Mike(Tyson) hitting the patch. That's great, but show me the video of the next 30s. Show me the video of the next minute when you know Mike Tyson is exhausted and and trying to to recover from those quick flurries that he's throwing. The fear that I have is that Jake Paul, who regardless of what you think about him, he can punch. Like Jake has a great right hand. If Jake somehow gets clipped with something that energizes him, he throws a big right and he puts Mike Tyson down. That's that's not impossible here. It's not, Mike Tyson at the end of his pro career was getting beat up and knocked out. That was almost 20 years ago when he was locked formally in the ring, against a quote unquote "real fighter". Jake Paul is not championship level by any stretch. But he's not terrible.

During this morning's Toucher & Hardy, Fred revealed the contenders in the highly anticipated tournament, March Plainness! Who will Hardy choose?

In the world of sports talk radio, unexpected debates can lead to epic events. This was exemplified when a straightforward question regarding preferences in women ignited Toucher & Hardy's "March Plainness" tournament, captivating the attention of listeners.

It all began with a casual inquiry posed to Rob "Hardy" Poole during the highly popular, totally original Email segment. A listener asked Hardy to choose between two actresses from the popular TV show "Modern Family": Sofia Vergara, known for her role as Gloria, and Julie Bowen, who portrays Claire Dunphy. To the surprise of his co-host Fred Toucher, Hardy opted for Julie Bowen over Sofia Vergara, noting a specific clip that’s ingrained in Hardy’s mind.

This seemingly innocuous choice set off a chain reaction. Listeners flooded the show with emails and phone calls, expressing their opinions and suggesting other contenders who fit Hardy's preferences. Fred took on the challenge of organizing a tournament to determine the ultimate winner in Hardy's wheelhouse.

And so, "March Plainness" was born. Toucher carefully curated a list of 16 women who aligned with Hardy's tastes, creating a bracket-style competition akin to the NCAA tournament in March. The matchups were designed to pit fan favorites and Hollywood stars against each other, sparking debates and discussions among listeners.

As anticipation builds for the upcoming tournament on the highly-rated Toucher & Hardy's radio program, fans are eagerly anticipating each round, ready to cast their votes and share their predictions. The excitement is expected to reach new heights as the field narrows, with potential for unexpected upsets and thrilling showdowns that will keep everyone on the edge of their seats.

The culmination of intense deliberation and competition will ultimately reveal the winner of the tournament. But you may be asking, “Who made the cut? Who’s in this highly anticipated tournament?” Well, you’re in luck! Below are the women who made the tournament, along with their seeding.

You can also fill out your bracket and predict who will Hardy ultimately choose! Scroll to the bottom.

Dylan Dreyer is a friendly and relatable presence on NBC's "Today" show, known for her upbeat style and ability to connect with viewers. She brings a genuine charm to her weather reports and storytelling, making her a beloved figure in morning television.

Andie McDowell is a talented actress known for her roles in movies like "Groundhog Day" and "Four Weddings and a Funeral." She has a timeless beauty and a captivating on-screen presence that has made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and to our own Rob "Hardy" Poole.

Sally Field is an iconic actress with a remarkable career spanning decades. From her early days in "The Flying Nun" to her Oscar-winning performances in "Norma Rae" and "Places in the Heart," she has left a lasting impact on Hollywood. Her talent, versatility, and dedication to her craft have earned her respect and admiration from audiences worldwide. Could she be the dark horse in this year's tournament?

Mary Lou Retton is a legendary gymnast who captured the hearts of millions with her incredible performances, including Hardy's. Her gold medal win at the 1984 Olympics, especially in the all-around competition, solidified her status as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. Mary Lou's groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire aspiring athletes around the world.

Donna Reed was a actress known for her roles in classic films like "It's a Wonderful Life" and "From Here to Eternity." Her on-screen presence endeared her to audiences, earning her widespread recognition and acclaim. Beyond her acting talents, Donna Reed was also a dedicated humanitarian, contributing to various charitable causes throughout her life.

Joyce DeWitt is an actress best known for her role as Janet Wood in the classic sitcom "Three's Company." Her portrayal of Janet alongside John Ritter and Suzanne Somers made her a household name in the 1970s and 1980s. Joyce's comedic timing and charming personality endeared her to audiences, contributing to the show's popularity.

Mary-Louise Parker is a talented actress known for her diverse roles in film, television, and theater. She has received critical acclaim for her performances in projects like "Weeds," "Fried Green Tomatoes," and "Angels in America." Mary-Louise's ability to bring depth and authenticity to her characters, coupled with her captivating presence on screen, has solidified her reputation as one of the industry's most respected and versatile performers

Peggy Fleming is an iconic figure skater and Olympic gold medalist. Her performances, particularly at the 1968 Winter Olympics, captivated audiences worldwide and earned her widespread admiration. Peggy's lasting impact on the sport have made her a legend in figure skating history.

Adrienne LaValley is a familiar face locally, thanks to her appearances in National Floors Direct commercials. She's also popped up in various TV shows and films, adding to her recognition in the area.

Laurel Coppock is famous for playing "Jan" in Toyota commercials. Her comedic talent and likable character made her well-known in advertising. She's also acted in TV shows and movies, showing her range as an actress.

Natalie Palamides is an actress and comedian known for her unique style and performances. She has gained recognition from being in one of the agents from the Progressive commercials.

Nancy Kerrigan is a retired figure skater who won medals at the 1992 and 1994 Olympics. She's also known for a well-publicized incident where she was attacked by associates of a rival skater. Kerrigan is now active in charitable work and continues to be a respected figure in figure skating.

Harley Jane Kozak is an actress known for her roles in movies and television shows. She has appeared in films like "Parenthood" and "Arachnophobia," as well as TV series such as "Santa Barbara" and "The Parent 'Hood." Kozak's versatile acting skills and memorable performances have earned her recognition in the entertainment industry.

Maggie Gyllenhaal is an actress known for her roles in films such as "The Dark Knight," "Secretary," and "Donnie Darko." She has received critical acclaim for her versatile performances and has established herself as a prominent figure in Hollywood.

Rhea Seehorn is widely recognized for her outstanding portrayal of Kim Wexler in the popular TV series "Better Call Saul." Her ability to bring depth and nuance to the character has earned her immense praise from critics and viewers alike. Seehorn's work on the show has established her as a standout talent in the television industry.

In the realm of sports talk radio, such unexpected debates often lead to exciting and captivating events that keep listeners tuned in. During this morning's Toucher & Hardy show, Fred unveiled the contenders for the eagerly awaited tournament, March Plainness! The question remains: who will Hardy select as the ultimate champion?

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It's that time of year again! With showcase games, the NFL Combine, and the initial wave of free agency in the books, we can get underway with the annual 98.5 The Sports Hub Patriots positional draft preview series.

Just as we've done the last few years, we'll highlight a different position every Tuesday and Thursday between now and the draft (we'll also have some form of Mock Drafts every Monday). Each preview will be a little different depending on the position itself, the way this year's draft board is laid out, and how much of a need that position is for the Patriots.

READ MORE:

--Mike Onwenu expected to stick at one position after signing new contract
--New report indicates Patriots' preference for No. 3 overall pick
--Mock Draft Mailbag 1.0

We'll start with arguably the position of need for the Patriots in the draft - quarterback. The past two years these quarterback previews have been pretty much secondary info, but this year this one may be the starring attraction.

Earlier this month we put out our post-Combine quarterback big board, but this class runs much deeper than just the top players who have become household names. Whether the Patriots take a quarterback third overall, wait until Day 2, or double up and take another quarterback on Day 3, it's still very much knowing the whole class.

So, who are the quarterbacks this year? From the top of the board to names you may be hearing for the first time, let's take a page out of Tony Mazz's playbook and look at the 'tiers' of this year's class.

Keep in mind, these tiers are based on where players are expected to be drafted, more than their expected career outcome. Again, for that check out our QB big board. This is more a look at the draft landscape itself.

-- Caleb Williams, USC

There's been plenty of 'prospect fatigue' around Caleb Williams, as he's now been in the spotlight as the presumed top quarterback in this draft for almost two years. While he maybe isn't on the 'generational' level guys like Andrew Luck or Trevor Lawrence were as prospects, he still belongs in a class of his own in this draft.

Why? His carrying trait is arguably the most sought-after trait in quarterbacks in the NFL right now - the ability to, on a relatively regular basis, create something from nothing when everything else is falling apart around him. Other parts of his game need work for sure, but there's no such thing as a 'perfect' prospect and assuming that skill translates Williams should be a dangerous quarterback for a long time.

-- Jayden Daniels, LSU
-- Drake Maye, UNC

While their play styles are different, both Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye have showcased the tools teams look for in a potential franchise quarterback. For Daniels, his makeup is highlighted by his athleticism and deep ball ability. Maye flexes size and natural arm talent.

However, both have bigger flaws to fix than Williams. There's concern about Daniels durability due to his size (listed at 6-foot-4, 210 pounds but he didn't weigh in at the Combine), which is compounded by how reckless he can be as a runner. Meanwhile, Maye's decision-making draws serious questions, leading to significant inconsistencies. Still, those are coachable issues that a team should be able to address relatively quickly, in which case both would have franchise quarterback upside, making them likely top 3 picks.

-- Michael Penix, Washington
-- J.J. McCarthy, Michigan

Like Daniels and Maye, both Michael Penix and J.J. McCarthy have real franchise quarterback upside. However, their 'ifs' are slightly more significant and can't be simply coached away, which likely knocks them down the board a bit (but not out of the first round).

For Penix, his red flag is his injury history. He had four season-ending injuries, including two right ACL tears, in four years at Indiana before transferring to Washington in 2022. If not for that, Penix would certainly be one tier higher and would be in the conversation for a top five pick.

Penix's pure arm talent is the best of any quarterback in the draft. Yet despite reporting at the NFL Combine that he passed all his medical testing, teams still seem weary of using a first-round pick on him based on further reports.

McCarthy, on the other hand, comes into the NFL very inexperienced, especially for a projected high draft pick. Generally, teams use 25 career college starts as the cutoff for quarterbacks worthy of high draft picks. McCarthy made 28 starts at Michigan and was truly in the passenger seat for some of them, such as an eight pass attempt game against Penn State earlier this season. He's also very young, having just turned 21 in January.

McCarthy's size and athleticism, plus his ability to throw on the run, certainly will be enticing for teams. His age also gives him plenty of runway when it comes to improvement. But, there's just not enough of him on tape right now to be able to paint a clear enough picture of his future.

-- Bo Nix, Oregon

The biggest question Bo Nix had to answer coming into the pre-draft process is what he'd look like outside of an Oregon offensive system that took a lot off of his plate. So far he hasn't done great in that regard, with less than stellar Senior Bowl and Combine performances. There are still some things Nix does well - he's got good short and intermediate accuracy and he's not exactly a statue in the pocket - but it's looking more and more like he'll simply be a product of whatever system he's put in.

That's not necessarily a bad thing. For a team that feels it has most of its roster in place and just needs a quarterback to drive the bus, he'd make a lot of sense late on Day 1 or early on Day 2. But for a team looking like a franchise quarterback? That ceiling just doesn't appear to be there.

-- Spencer Rattler, South Carolina

This quarterback class drops off hard after the top six quarterbacks, and there's a real chance those six above will be the only QBs to go in the top 100. As the pre-draft process has gone on though one player has emerged to possibly bridge the gap - Spencer Rattler. Rattler was the best quarterback on the field in Mobile for the Senior Bowl then followed that up with a strong showing at the Combine.

Concerns about his size (6-foot, 211 pounds), tendency to hunt big plays too often, and inconsistent accuracy in game action remain, but he has set himself apart as the top project quarterback in this class, and it wouldn't be surprising if he ended up going late on Day 2 to a QB-needy team that misses out on the position in the initial run.

-- Joe Milton, Tennessee
-- Jordan Travis, Florida State

We're into the pure upside players now. These guys have some exciting individual traits, but have other issues that could prevent them from getting a significant shot to show how those traits will translate to the NFL.

There's no better example of such a player than Joe Milton. Tennessee's 6-foot-5, 235-pound quarterback has a rocket arm and can throw the ball over 75 yards in the air, and is a plus-athlete who is a problem for would-be tacklers when he gets into the open field on a scramble.

Yet despite his video game-like physical traits, in six college seasons, including four in which he started multiple games, he showed little development in accuracy and decision making. If he was younger and had more time to develop his draft stock may be higher, but he's already 24 years old.

Jordan Travis made strides over his four years as a starter at Florida State, leading the Seminoles to an 11-0 record this year before suffering a significant leg injury late in the season. Prior to that injury Travis was projected as a Day 2 pick, but for an undersized quarterback (listed 6-foot-1, 200 pounds) who relies on mobility, how he heals from that injury will impact what kind of player he is in the NFL. He likely will start his rookie season on NFI. He's also an older prospect, turning 24 in May.

-- Michael Pratt, Tulane
-- Carter Bradley, South Alabama
-- Austin Reed, Western Kentucky

This tier is kind of the opposite of the 'lottery ticket' tier. These are all quarterbacks who have a higher floor because of their accuracy and decision-making, but lack the physical traits or room for athletic growth that is needed to reach starting-caliber level. That doesn't mean they can't become starters, but their career path will likely be catching on as a backup and waiting for their chance (kind of like Bailey Zappe or Brock Purdy).

Michael Pratt is the highlight player of this group. He was another player who some thought might sneak into the top 100, but he's done little in the pre-draft process to help himself get there. He'll still probably be the first of these three quarterbacks off the board and could go ahead of one or both 'lottery ticket' players, if a team is approaching the pick specifically to find a reliable backup.

-- Sam Hartman, Notre Dame
-- Kedon Slovis, BYU

Once upon a time, both Sam Hartman and Kedon Slovis were viewed as potential first-round picks. However, their careers plateaued and they never were able to reach that potential. They'll probably still get drafted, but it may be 150-200 picks lower than one-time projections from multiple years ago.

Hartman broke out with Wake Forest in 2021, throwing for 4,228 yards and 39 touchdowns (while rushing for 11 more) in 14 games. Prior to the 2022 season he was labeled as one of the top quarterbacks in football and while he didn't regress that season, he didn't improve much either. Rather than head to the draft he transferred to Notre Dame last year, and saw his production dip.

Slovis looked like a star during his true freshman season at USC in 2019, but was limited to six games in 2020 due to COVID and never returned to that level of play. He played for three schools in three years between 2021 and 2023 with stops at Pitt and BYU, and in 28 games went 16-12 while throwing for 33 touchdowns and 23 interceptions.

-- Devin Leary, Kentucky
-- Taulia Tagovailoa, Maryland
-- Jason Bean, Kansas
-- Andrew Peasley, Wyoming

Right now, it looks like between 12 and 14 quarterbacks will be drafted in 2024. One or two of these guys may get included late on Day 3, but likely all four will go undrafted.

Among the 20-something UDFAs in this class, these four stand out for individual reasons. Devin Leary would have fit in the 'once upon a time' tier, but rather than his play plateauing after his breakout year in 2021 he actually regressed - in part due to injury.

Jason Bean would be a logical target for a team that wants to add a dual-threat quarterback to its roster for camp, and potentially to the practice squad for scout-team purposes. The Patriots have certainly done that before with players like J'Mar Smith and Malik Cunningham, so Bean being on their radar would make some sense.

Mar. 19 – Quarterbacks
Mar. 21 – Running backs
Mar. 26 – Wide receivers
Mar. 28 – Tight ends
Apr. 2 – Offensive linemen
Apr. 4 – Defensive linemen/Edge rushers
Apr. 9 – Linebackers
Apr. 11 – Cornerbacks
Apr. 16 – Safeties
Apr. 18 – Specialists

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.