Mike Tyson is set out on proving age is just a number as at the age of 60, he faces YouTuber-turned boxer Jake Paul – who is over 30 years younger. There have been plenty of critics who believe that the event should not be going ahead, but ‘Iron’ Mike didn’t appreciate being directly asked for his response to this opinion.
When Paul-Tyson was first announced, the widespread assumption was that the bout would be an exhibition – similar to Tyson’s 2020 bout against Roy Jones Jr. However, in a shocking twist, it was revealed that the match-up would be an official one, that would be represented on each of their professional records.
As a result, Tyson will break a world record by having the longest professional career of any heavyweight champion, surpassing that of Roy Jones Jr., who faced Anthony Pettis last year to extend his time in the sport to over 34 years.
Both men have it all to lose, with the once ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ sure to be ashamed if he were to lose to a YouTuber, whilst Paul would also be disheartened if he were to be defeating by a 60-year-old opponent, considering that he has been calling out the likes of Canelo Alvarez in the past.
At the launch press-conference for the event, Tyson was questioned over his thoughts on those who are concerned for his wellbeing in the contest and offered a fiery response, putting pressure on the reporter and almost demanding anybody who felt this way to confront him.
Reporter – “How do you respond to people who are critical about this fight taking place in the first place at all because of your differences, particularly your age?”
Tyson – “Well, I don’t see to many people [being] critical about it. Look at this [crowd], ha, ha, ha, ha [points finger at reporter].”
Reporter – “Critics, I mean.”
Tyson – “Who? Tell me who? Name us somebody. You? Who?
Reporter – “Folks who say it. Thanks.”
Tyson – “Yeah, thanks.”
Shortly after, Paul and Tyson had their face-off, where the two-time heavyweight champion appeared uninterested in the antics of the social media sensation – who pretended to draw an arrow from his quiver and point it at the heavyweight great.
Mike Tyson and Jake Paul having one hell of a face off at the #PaulTyson press conference. pic.twitter.com/LLzOz8EZ2K
— Netflix (@netflix) May 17, 2024
Whilst many boxing fanatics are pondering whether they should watch the event on Netflix on July 20th in fear of seeing their favourite fighter get hurt, additions to the undercard make the show more tempting.
Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano will go head-to-head in a rematch in what will be Taylor’s first defence of her undisputed super-lightweight title, two years since their first encounter, which was nothing short of a modern-day classic.
Two undefeated American prospects will also collide as Ashton Sylve fights Floyd Schofield in a tantalising lightweight showdown that some may believe to be more intriguing than the main-event.
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