Mike Tyson is perhaps nicely previous his prime however the legendary boxer is eager to remind why he was famously often known as the ‘baddest man on the planet’ when he returns to the ring for the primary time in almost 20 years to tackle YouTuber-turned-boxer, Jake Paul.
The 58-year-old former undisputed world heavyweight champion, who recorded 44 of his 50 pro-boxing wins with knockouts (KO), has promised to unleash “Iron Mike” on Friday on the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
“I’m bringing the satan himself [to the ring],” Tyson was quoted as saying on Tuesday throughout an open exercise session.
Whereas he might have appeared amiable in his off-field conferences with Paul, Tyson has cautioned his 27-year-old opponent to not take the kindness as a right.
“There are not any emotions connected,” Tyson mentioned. “My very own mom ought to be very cautious if she has to get within the ring with me. When it’s over, it’s over. However whereas the method is happening, my intention is to harm him. I hope he has the identical intentions, or he’s in hassle.”
Tyson has additionally affirmed that he’ll knock out Paul, 31 years his junior and mentioned that he’ll unleash a model of himself that his 16-year-old daughter, Milan, had by no means seen.
“She noticed me on tv struggle with Roy Jones [in 2020], however she has by no means seen something of this magnitude in her life,” Tyson mentioned. “My youngsters don’t actually consider me because the baddest man on the planet. They take a look at me as Dad [and tell me] sit your outdated ass down.
“However on November 15 they are going to have a unique opinion of me.”
Weight of the competition
Initially slated for on July 20, the competition was postponed after Tyson suffered an ulcer flare-up. Initially, regarded to be an exhibition bout, the struggle was given skilled standing by the Texas Division of Licensing and Rules in April 2024.
The heavyweight showdown shall be fought over eight two-minute rounds with every fighter utilizing 14-ounce gloves. Whereas Tyson’s file stands at 50-6-2 (Win-loss-no contest), Paul has stacked up a 10-1 profile since his professional debut in 2020.
Tyson final gained a bout in Febrary 2003, a KO over Clifford Etienne to mark his fiftieth profession triumph. He had since suffered successive defeats in 2004 and 2005 earlier than calling it quits.
Apparently, the 31-year age distinction between Tyson and his newest opponent Paul is the most important in skilled boxing historical past, surpassing the 24-year hole between Archie Moore (49) and Mike DiBiase (25) throughout a 1963 contest.