In a thrilling announcement, former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, now 57, is preparing for his first professional fight since 2005. He issued a stern warning to YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on Monday, emphasizing the seriousness of their upcoming July 20 match. Tyson, speaking at New York City’s Apollo Theater during a press conference, made it clear that once inside the ring, Paul must fight as if his life depends on it.
“I really like Jake a lot, but once he’s in that ring he has to fight like his life depends on it, because it will be,” Tyson stated, highlighting the high stakes of their bout.
The heavyweight contest, set to take place at the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, will feature eight two-minute rounds with each fighter using 14-ounce gloves. The outcome of this match will be officially recorded in both fighters’ professional boxing records.
Tyson, who requested shorter rounds to enhance the fight’s intensity and entertainment value, addressed critics who doubted his return to boxing. “The people who said that wish they were up here,” Tyson responded. “Because no one else can do it. Who else can shut the sporting world down? No one else can do it. So you got the both of us.”
Despite their friendship, Tyson made it clear that camaraderie would be set aside in the ring. “We’re friends, but in that ring we’re not going to be friends,” he asserted.
Tyson revealed that he did not hesitate to accept the challenge of fighting Paul, describing it as a “no-brainer.” He expressed enthusiasm for shaking up the sports world with this highly anticipated match. “He was the new up-and-coming guy on the scene and I like shaking the sports world to its core and I’m doing it now. It’s just something I want to do,” Tyson said.
Jake Paul, a 27-year-old influencer who has transitioned into boxing, has a record of nine wins and one loss, with six knockouts. His sole defeat came in February 2023, in a split decision against Tommy Fury. Paul acknowledged Tyson’s formidable reputation, stating, “Age doesn’t matter, age is just a number. He’s a killer, he’s a warrior, he’s been doing this his whole entire life. So it’s second nature to him. I’ve been doing this for four years.”
Paul also suggested that Tyson might be underestimating him, boasting about his power and readiness for the challenge. “I know it’s going to be tough, I know I’m going to have to fight through adversity, I know I might even go to the canvas,” Paul admitted. “I’m scared, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not about the fear stopping me; it’s about going into it even though I am scared, and that’s what true bravery is.”
