The build up to the much anticipated showdown between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul reignited as the duo crossed path at a press conference in New York on Sunday (as per local time). Tyson, who has just recovered from a health scare, showed no signs of discomfort. He even shoved and punched Paul during the face off, but it appeared to lack any sort of ferocity. The two were scheduled to fight on July 20 this year, which would have marked Tyson's return to the ring after his exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr back in 2020. The two will now meet on November 15 in Arlington, Texas, and Netflix, who are the official streaming partners, have restarted promoting the fight by bringing the two boxers together for media interactions.
Tyson had to previously pull out from the fight due to an ulcer flare-up, and was replaced by bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry, whom Paul knocked out. So having just recovered from a health scare, the 58-year-old could well be putting himself in danger again by putting the gloves on again. However, Tyson insisted he's absolutely fine, also informing that he has resumed training around two to three weeks back.
“Because I can. Who else can do it but me? Who else is he going to fight to make this happen? We've just got to listen to the facts. We’ve got a YouTuber fighting the greatest fighter that ever lived," he said before adding: "Hey listen, I’m just ready."
The undisputed heavyweight champion 1987 to 1990, Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) retired in 2005 before coming back for an exhibition match against Roy Jones in 2020. While Tyson was met with cheers from the crowd gathered at the event, Paul received jeers, but the YouTuber-turned boxer had his own way to deal with it.
“Hey New York, you’re just like Mike Tyson,” Paul said. “You were good 20 years ago.”
Paul also admitted the fact that Tyson is not in his prime so a win might not deliver him much credit. He, however, chose to look at the bright side of it. “Big moments, big pressure, big stages, one of the greatest to ever do it, more experience than me, more fights than me, I’m going to learn a lot in this fight and through this training camp,” Paul said. “So this is helping me in my future fights and everything that I want to accomplish.”
He preferred to fight Tyson before and is eager for a second chance. “I was ready before, you needed a little break,” he said to Tyson. “Your tummy hurt still?”
If we look at the rules, the bout will be contested in eight 2-minute rounds and the boxers will use heavier gloves than usual. However, if we look at the fight-card lined up for the event, the rematch between lightweight champion Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano appeals to be the most promising.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
