Mike Tyson is set to fight Jake Paul on November 15 after previously withdrawing due to health issues, with both fighters exchanging heated words at their first press conference.
Mike Tyson remains committed to his Nov. 15 dance date against Jake Paul.
The boxing Hall of Famer and former heavyweight champion appeared alongside Paul on Sunday in New York City for the first press conference ahead of their rescheduled bout. Originally, they were set to compete on July 20, but Tyson withdrew in May due to health complications related to an ulcer flare-up.
That withdrawal only inflamed critics who argue that Tyson’s health and age make the fight an irresponsible booking. Yet, Tyson remains steadfast in his pledge.
“[I’m doing this] because I can. Who else can do it but me?” Tyson said at Sunday’s press conference. “Let’s look at it, who else is he going to fight to make this happen? You just have to listen to the facts. We got a YouTuber fighting the greatest fighter that ever lived.”
“Every time,” Paul shot back. “Every time, these fighters sit across from me and it’s YouTubers, Disney Channel, all that sht, and then you end up on the fcking canvas. And you’ll see, it’s going to be no different here. I promise you that.”
“I brought this deal to this old ass motherfcker. We signed the contract with Netflix and I brought him the deal,” Paul continued. “So you’re welcome, my son. I’m going to discipline you like a son. So shut the fck up with all that ‘need this, need that.’ We brought you the deal. And remember that too.”
Tyson, 58, and Paul, 27, are scheduled for a professional heavyweight bout contested across eight two-minute rounds at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Tex., airing live on Netflix.
Tyson hasn’t competed professionally since losing a 2005 match against Kevin McBride. His most recent ring appearance was an eight-round exhibition against fellow Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr. in late 2020, which ended in a split draw.
Paul is 10-1 as a professional boxer since debuting in 2020 and has defeated several MMA veterans. His wins include Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley (x2), Anderson Silva, and Nate Diaz. He knocked out BKFC star Mike Perry in his most recent bout this past July.
As usual, Paul shrugs off critics of his matchmaking preferences, especially regarding his booking against Tyson.
“People are always going to have something to say,” Paul said. “It’s because of who I am; I proved everyone wrong. Reminder: the most hated and criticized boxer before they loved him was Muhammad Ali. So I’m the antihero, and people will love me soon enough once they realize what I’ve done for this sport and who I truly am."
"You’ve got to risk it for the biscuit," Paul added. "I’m here to make history and fight one of the most dangerous men in all of boxing. No one great got there easily or by a smooth road."
While Paul dipped into full promotional mode during Sunday’s press conference, Tyson kept most responses short and sweet but serious.
“Very painfully,” Tyson promised when asked how the bout will go.
“Be in shape,” he added. “Be in good shape because your health depends on it.”
“I think he’s a mitt warrior,” Paul countered. “The Instagram videos are cute but we’ll see what happens in the ring on November 15."
“Listen, as soon as I catch this guy, he’s going to be running around,” Tyson said later. “As soon as I catch this guy, it’s going to be totally over… He’s going to run like a thief.”
“Nah, we can meet in the middle,” Paul responded.
“Oh, that’s what I want,” Tyson said.
“Let’s meet in the middle,” Paul reiterated.
“I love you,” Tyson replied.
“Let’s go. We’ll see,” Paul said.
“Oh, we will see, buddy,” Tyson responded.