As news has circulated on an upcoming bout between boxing legend Mike Tyson and YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul, the internet has been flooded with support for Tyson. With that, there has also been a healthy amount of naysaying in response to the announced fight. While some still believe in the ability of the iconic pugilist, many have voiced their concerns due to his age.
Mike Tyson’s response concerning his age in regards to the upcoming Jake Paul Bout
In response, 57-year-old “Iron” Mike Tyson had some choice words for his critics ahead of the planned bout:
“I have a weird personality, but I don’t think it’s weird, though. Whatever I’m afraid to do, I do it, and that’s how it is.”
Tyson would go on to say about his last fight, “I was a hundred pounds overweight and I was 53 years old, and I said ‘let’s do it. Anything I’m afraid of, I confront. Nuts, my personality.’”
He would further elaborate, “Right now I’m scared to death, but as the fight gets closer, the less nervous I become, because it’s reality, and in reality I’m invincible.”
Mike goes on to acknowledge his opponent’s improving abilities in the ring, but not without issuing a concise and stern warning:
“You know, he’s come a long way from Youtubing, and listen, I’ve seen a YouTube of him at 16 doing weird dances. That’s not the guy I am going to be fighting, this guy’s going to come, he’s going to try and hurt me, which I am accustomed to, and he is going to be greatly mistaken.”
Source: Fox News – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3xInUaRVhY
Mike Tyson proved in a recent bout that his age will not hinder his performance
Mike’s last fight took place on November 28, 2020, against Roy Jones Jr. It was scored as a split draw. But as per the Compubox numbers, Tyson out-landed Jones by a wide margin.
According to boxingscene.com, the bout was not even close:
“This eight-round exhibition had its brief moments and the 54-year-old Mike Tyson, a former undisputed heavyweight champion, was clearly the stronger fighter. Tyson outlanded former four-division champion Roy Jones 67-37 in total punches.”
“Most observers saw Tyson as the clear decision winner.”
Source: boxingscene.com – https://www.boxingscene.com/mike-tyson-roy-jones-compubox-punch-stats–153621
Many who have viewed that matchup felt that Tyson had completely dominated from beginning to end. It was also expressed, it seemed Tyson was holding back his power, pulling almost every punch he threw. And out of respect for his opponent, he was avoiding the headshots when they were visibly open to the trained eye.
Whether you are a fan of Tyson or not, there are two things that can be said with certainty about the approaching bout; it will be wildly entertaining, and Jake Paul is in for a world of surprise. Mike Tyson, even at 57, is still on another level when it comes to the art of fighting. The July 20 fight will take place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington Texas, and streamed on Netflix.