57-year-old Mike Tyson and Jake Paul are set to face off in a professional boxing match on July 20, with Tyson warning Paul to fight like his life depends on it and Paul promising to show Tyson who has more power.
Mike Tyson, at 57, still has the power to control a room with a few chilling words. He’s a man who once declared, “I’m going to rip his heart out.”
On Monday’s press conference for his July 20 fight against Jake Paul, he didn’t go that far. But the intimidating tone was still there. Tyson was pretty quiet during the event. He confessed he actually likes Paul, but once the fists start flying, that won’t matter.
Tyson had this to say at the New York press conference: “I really like Jake a lot. But when he’s in that ring, he’s gotta fight like his life depends on it. Because it does.” That statement got a few gasps from the crowd. But Paul didn’t flinch, even though Tyson is the most seasoned opponent he’s faced in his young boxing career.
Paul is now over 230 pounds, preparing to compete as a heavyweight for the first time. He praised Tyson for working so hard to make this fight happen. Paul even claimed it was Tyson who wanted the change from an exhibition to a sanctioned, professional fight. This way, the result could end up on both of their pro records.
Paul said, “He was game. I think he’s always wanted to do this. This has been a long time coming. We’ve been calling each other out for years and we finally got to make it happen, on Netflix, the biggest platform in the world. Things just keep on getting bigger and better.”
“Mike wanted this. Mike wanted it to be a pro fight. He wants the war. I respect that. I respect him for taking this fight, for stepping up, to try to put an end to me. Because that’s what all these fighters have been trying to do, is end the YouTuber — and if Mike can do that, then he’s a hero.”
Tyson addressed the biggest concern heading into the Paul fight: his age. In his prime, Tyson was one of the most feared and ferocious boxers in history. He left a trail of broken bodies in his wake as he stormed through the heavyweight division.
But Tyson’s last professional win was in 2003. He hasn’t held a major title since 1996. By the time he steps into the ring with Paul, Tyson will be just three weeks away from his 58th birthday.
Tyson doesn’t seem bothered by this. He shot back at critics who say he’s too old for this fight. “I think the people that said that wish they were up here,” Tyson said. “Because no one else can do it. Who else can shut the sporting world down? No one else can do it.”
“You’ve got the both of us and we’re going to do this. We’re friends. There’s no doubt we’re friends. But in that ring, we’re not going to be friends. That’s just what it is.”
To amp up his preparation, Tyson claimed he’s been listening to “funeral music” in the gym. He’s putting himself through a strict and meticulous training camp.
Even if he’s not the same boxer he was 30 years ago, Tyson still has fight-ending power. He hopes to prove that against Paul.
Paul only smiled back at his opponent. He promised that he’s ready to take whatever Tyson can deliver. “I know I will be able to [take his punches],” Paul said. “I’m a natural-born heavyweight. This is what I was born to do, to move up into this weight class, and I’m going to show Mike who has more power. Because he’s underestimating me. I think everyone else is underestimating me and I believe I hit harder.”
“I know it’s going to be tough. I know I’m going to have to fight through adversity. I know I might even go to the canvas. I’m scared, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not about the fear stopping me. It’s about going into it even though I am scared, and that’s what true bravery is.”