By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-09-30 11:50:43 | Updated at 2024-10-02 00:25:55
1 day ago
Jake Paul has thrown down the gauntlet to Mike Tyson ahead of their highly-anticipated clash in November.
The social media star has caused a major stir in the world of boxing since making his professional debut just four years ago.
In a series of highly-publicised bouts the 27-year-old, who first gained notoriety on the now-defunct social media platform Vine, has amassed a record of ten wins with just one defeat inside the ring.
His biggest challenge remains in front of him however, as he prepares to take on former undisputed heavyweight champion Tyson over eight-rounds at the AT&T Stadium in November.
Tyson earned his reputation as one of the most fearsome punchers the sport of boxing has ever known, racking up 24 first-round knockouts in a professional career that spanned from 1985 until his initial retirement in 2005.
Jake Paul insisted he is prepared for everything Mike Tyson will throw at him when they meet inside the ring
The social media star is set to take on Tyson in an eight-round professional bout in November
Pair had initially been scheduled to fight earlier this year before Tyson was forced to withdraw
Speaking ahead of their clash Paul insisted he has been diligently preparing for Tyson's blitzing style.
'I mean, it's just being alert and knowing what to do in that situation.' Paul told Mail Sport.
'I could definitely see him trying to [go for an early KO], but he'll find out very quickly that I also have a ton of power.
'So doing that with a guy like me isn't always the smartest thing to do, because I'll catch one of his shots then counter.'
At a press conference leading up to the event, Paul criticised Tyson for requesting the bout be fought under two-minute rounds.
'It's interesting, I'm just, I'm just basing s*** off of facts.' Paul continued. 'He's like, "watch your shape, watch your shape". I'm like, alright, but you watch it.
'It could be to his advantage. I think it's also smart that he's doing that. I'm fighting on all of his rules and what he wanted.
'He wanted it to be a pro fight. He wanted eight, two-minute rounds. So I'm giving him everything he wants. I'm going to his playground, and I'm going to beat his a**.'
Though the event — which will be broadcast worldwide on Netflix pay-per-view in a first for the streaming giant — has generated remarkable attention, there remains significant criticism, particularly surrounding the 31-year age gap between the combatants.
The 27-year-old insisted that fans who are concerned about the 31-year age gap should take their concerns directly to Tyson
The former undisputed champion hasn't fought since an exhibition with Roy Jones Jnr in 2020
After all, Paul wasn't even born during Tyson's legendary initial world title run and was just eight years old when Iron Mike first hung up his gloves following defeat to Irish journeyman Kevin McBride in 2005.
The backlash only further gained traction after the 58-year-old Tyson was forced to pull out of their originally scheduled date in July after suffering a medical emergency on a plane.
However, Paul insisted that detractors should take up any concerns they have with the matchup with Tyson himself.
'I would say say it to Mike Tyson's face and see what happens.' He added.
'Mike does what Mike wants to do, and he's the one that you know wanted to make this a pro fight. He's still wanting to do it, and he believes he can beat my a** truly behind the scenes.
'To him, age is just a number, and he does look athletic, he does look strong, and he does look good on the mitts so we'll see how it translates to the ring.'
One of the main factors that has made Paul's foray into combat sports so compelling is his ability to seemingly have multiple future plans lined up for his career simultaneously.
In addition to signing with the Professional Fighters League ahead of a mooted MMA debut, Paul has also signalled his intention to represent the USA on home soil in amateur boxing at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Paul also featured on that event, delivering a devastating KO against former NBA star Nate Robinson
Since then he has reeled off a series of notable victories against stars of MMA inside the ring
One fighter that he has set in his sights is UFC pound-for-pound great and devastating knockout artist Alex Pereira.
Asked whether a deal could be struck to make such a fight take place inside the ring, Paul added he believes UFC president Dana White is prepared to take such a gamble.
'I'm down, obviously that it depends on on Dana, but I don't think he would take the risk to let Pereira fight me.
'I just think it would be too risky, because he's basically the UFC biggest star now, so I don't see Dana letting him out of his contract to box me. But I want the fight.
'I think the fans want the fight. I want the baddest man in the UFC, and that's Pereira, and because when I beat him, everyone will just be flabbergasted, and there'll be no more excuses after that.'
With a multitude of options in the boxing world ahead of him you would be forgiven for thinking Paul had neglected his potential MMA debut inside the PFL cage.
However, he insisted that a trio of former UFC stars that he has previously defeated inside the ring remain in his sights.
Paul has his own ambitions of competing inside the cage and signed a deal with the PFL to make his MMA debut last year
'Yeah, I mean, I wanted Nate Diaz, and he kept on ducking the offer. But I think there's definitely potential to do MMA with Mike Perry or Tyron Woodley.
'I think when they're when there's the right opponent for MMA, I'm jumping in there.
'I hope and pray that Nate Diaz has to get in there with me, because I believe that would be legendary, and when I beat him, I'll literally steal his whole legacy.'
