Mike Tyson, the legendary heavyweight boxer, has stirred up controversy once again with his latest statements. Tyson claims that the widespread criticism of his upcoming fight with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul is rooted in jealousy. According to Tyson, many people are envious because the bout is attracting billions of views worldwide.
The announcement of the fight, which will take place on July 20 and be streamed live on Netflix, has generated significant buzz. Tyson, now 58, will be facing off against 27-year-old Jake Paul at the Dallas Cowboys’ 80,000-seat stadium. This matchup has been met with mixed reactions, primarily due to the significant age gap between the two fighters.
Prominent boxing figures have expressed their disapproval of the fight. Eddie Hearn, a well-known boxing promoter, voiced his disappointment, saying he was “truly saddened” by Tyson’s return to the ring. Canelo Alvarez, a superstar boxer from Mexico, stated that he had no interest in watching the fight. Dillon Danis, who fought Jake Paul’s brother Logan Paul last year, also criticized the matchup, calling it embarrassing. Former UFC champion Michael Bisping added his voice to the chorus of disapproval, stating that Jake Paul should be ashamed of himself.
Despite these criticisms, Tyson remains unfazed. He retired from professional boxing in 2005 and has only fought in one exhibition match since then, against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020. Tyson is confident that his fight with Paul will captivate audiences worldwide. “So what if I’m 58 years old? I’m getting billions of views just talking about this fight,” Tyson told Reuters on April 3. “Everyone, even most athletes, are jealous. They can’t sell out an arena. Who at 58 years old can sell out an 80,000-seat stadium? Why do you think Paul wants to fight me and not someone else? Every boxer wants to fight Paul.”
Tyson’s assertion that jealousy is driving the criticism of his fight with Paul highlights the unique nature of this matchup. While some see it as a spectacle, others view it as an opportunity to see a boxing legend back in the ring. The fight’s potential to draw a massive audience is undeniable, and Tyson’s confidence in his drawing power is clear.
Since retiring nearly two decades ago, Tyson has faced numerous physical challenges, including bouts of sciatica that have left him using a wheelchair at times. Despite these issues, Tyson is determined to return to the ring. He admitted to feeling nervous about the fight but sees it as part of his pre-fight process. Tyson revealed that he felt similarly before his fight with Jones Jr. in November 2020. That match ended in a draw, with both fighters receiving a special “Frontline Battle” belt from the WBC.
Tyson’s fearless attitude towards his return to boxing is evident. “I have a strange personality, but I don’t think it’s strange,” Tyson said in an interview earlier this week. “Whatever I’m afraid of doing, I do. I was scared before the fight with Roy. At that time, I admitted, I was 54, 53 years old and said let’s just fight. Whatever I’m afraid of, I confront it. That’s my personality. Right now, I’m scared to death.”
As July 20 approaches, the boxing world is eagerly anticipating the showdown between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. Whether driven by curiosity, nostalgia, or genuine interest in the fight, fans will undoubtedly be tuning in to see how this unique matchup unfolds. Tyson’s belief that jealousy is at the heart of the criticism adds another layer of intrigue to what promises to be an unforgettable event.
