12 March 2024 , 09:29
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Mike Tyson dismissed a potential fight against Jake Paul less than a year ago before eventually changing his mind on a comeback.
Boxing icon Tyson will fight for the first time in over three years when he faces social media sensation Paul on July 20 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Tyson's last fight, an exhibition against Roy Jones Jr, took place in November 2020 and Paul fought for the second time as a professional on the undercard when he KO'd Nate Robinson.
'Iron Mike' had been linked to several fights last year, including a bout against Paul, but he dismissed any chance of him fighting by saying on the HotBoxin' podcast: “No way! I’m not fighting nobody, I’m just chilling.” It's unclear if Tyson's fight against Paul will be professionally sanctioned or will go ahead as an exhibition bout.
There is a massive 30-year age gap between Paul and Tyson and their fight will be aired live on Netflix, marking the streaming giant's first venture into combat sports. Paul said he stopped idolising Tyson when the boxing legend mistook him for brother Logan during their first meeting four years ago.
"Whether you're team Paul or team Tyson, or whether you’re a lifelong boxing fan or watching your first fight, you’re not going to want to miss this event. I have a chance to prove myself against the greatest heavyweight champion of the world, the baddest man on the planet and the most dangerous boxer of all time. Time to put Iron Mike to sleep," Paul said.
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"It’s crazy to think that in my second pro fight, I went viral for knocking out Nate Robinson on Mike Tyson’s undercard. Now, less than four years later, I’m stepping up to face Tyson myself My sights are set on becoming a world champion, and now I have a chance to prove myself against the greatest heavyweight champion ever, the baddest man on the planet."
Paul's transition from internet fame to boxing has been criticised by many boxing purists, but Tyson has been very respectful of the influencer's decision. “I'm very much looking forward to stepping into the ring with Jake Paul. He's grown significantly as a boxer over the years. It will be a lot of fun to see what the will and ambition of a 'kid' can do with the experience and aptitude of a GOAT." Tyson said.