Jake Paul takes on Mike Tyson tomorrow night in a controversial but captivating clash in Texas but at 58-years-old and having not fought in almost two decades – the unknown quantity that is present day ‘Iron Mike’ is obviously difficult to prepare for. Although, American heavyweight DaCarree Scott has been trying his best to emulate that famous, impetuous style.
The one-time ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ has mellowed out during recent years but that old-school ruthlessness and intimidating killer mindset has reared it’s ugly head during the build-up towards Tyson’s comeback against the YouTuber-turned-boxer.
Still, having not fought professionally since Paul was an eight-year-old child, it is the physical attributes and stamina of the two-time heavyweight champion that are being questioned rather than his mentality.
Therefore, the assumption is that Paul will be in danger for perhaps the first and second of the eight two-minute rounds before Tyson begins to fade, likely resulting in both a high intensity start to the contest and an aggressive approach from Tyson – although that is hardly out of character from the Brownsville-born bruiser.
To prepare for this, Paul has opted to bring in WBA #14 heavyweight, DaCarree Scott, commonly referred to as ‘MacTruck’, and in an exclusive interview with Boxing Social, the former NABA heavyweight champion admitted his pride at being seen as comparable to a legend such as Tyson.
“I believe I was chosen because of my height and because when we sparred I was giving him that Tyson look. Yeah, that was so cool to be compared to a legend. Mike Tyson was doing this before I was born, so for me to remind our generation and the people who were watching him of greatness is awesome.”
“This will not be the first time that Scott has been a part of a training camp with ‘The Problem Child’, adding that he was brought in to help with the originally scheduled fight, which eventually turned out to be a class with Mike Perry.”
Although there are obvious differences between Perry and Tyson in both size, skill and weight, as well as the differing rules for this contest, Scott, who has been paid double by Paul for his immense efforts in training, went on to reveal that there has been little change between the two camps, despite Paul recently claiming otherwise.
“I was in camp with Jake for the first fight before it was postponed. Then I stayed in Puerto Rico for the Mike Perry fight. When he started this camp I was there and kept working with him so [it has been] about 4 months.”
“To be honest the training hasn’t changed. Everything still 3 mins. If there was change from this camp compared to last camp, more sprints and shorter distance runs.”
After sharing numerous rounds with the polarising social media sensation, heavyweight title hopeful Scott credited Paul for his skills and declared that ‘he is better than people give him credit for’, before laying out his fight prediction.
“Jake is better than people give him credit for. So, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was an early knockout. I wouldn’t be surprised if Jake slept him late, or if he outboxed him to the decision.
“Jake Paul for the win! To be honest, [I think Paul will stop him in round] 5.”
If Paul is able to get past Tyson unscathed, he has already made clear his plans to call out unified super-middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez during the aftermath, and Scott refused to rule out the chances of the 28-year-old becoming a world champion.
“Jake works hard. He trains hard and he takes boxing serious. If he keeps working, he has a good team around him and he can become world champion. With hard work it takes time but he can do it.”
Whilst all eyes are understandably on the intriguing Paul-Tyson card, Scott has made quiet progress to navigate his way into the WBA heavyweight top 15 after just ten professional contests and will be hoping to climb the ratings further in 2025.
When asked of his ambitions for next year, ‘MacTruck’ was clear and concise, stating he simply wants to ‘be active’ and ‘fight more than once’, a feat he has not achieved since 2022.
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