Jake Paul Wants Tyson Fight As A Pro Bout
Jake Paul insists he wants to face Mike Tyson in a professional bout rather than it being an exhibition.
Paul faces Tyson on July 20, which will air live on Netflix. The reaction to the fight has been mixed, with the main concern being whether it should get sanctioned as a professional bout. Tyson will enter the ring as a 58-year-old against Paul, three decades younger at 28. Tyson’s last fight was an exhibition in 2020 against Roy Jones Jr. Tyson’s last professional fight was in 2005 after getting stopped by Kevin McBride.
Paul has boxed twice since last December, he has first-round KO wins over Andre August and Ryan Bourland. Tyson initially claimed it was an exhibition, later clarifying it was still a ‘fight.’ There was speculation over what the rules could be. It was claimed they could fight with 16-once gloves and under two-minute rounds to alleviate any safety worries.
Tyson Reacts
“This is called an exhibition, but if you look up exhibition, you won’t see any of the laws we’re fighting under. This is a fight. I don’t think he’s faster than me. I’ve seen a YouTube video of him at [age] 16 doing weird dancing. That’s not the guy I’m fighting. This is a guy who’s really going to try and hurt me, which I’m accustomed to, and he’s going to be greatly mistaken. Right now, I’m scared to death. As the fight gets closer, the less nervous I become because it’s reality, and in reality I’m invincible,” Tyson said
Paul has now clarified those comments, indicating his intention to get it approved as a pro bout by speaking to the Texas State Athletic Commission. It has already been confirmed that both boxers will undergo drug testing. Tyson is known for his marijuana usage, something the Texas Commission has rules against. Reports of them wearing headgear have also been shut down. Paul clearly wanted to face Tyson at his best without any excuses.
Paul Responds
“Yeah man, it’s so annoying. People on the internet will believe anything they see or hear. There’s been so much misinformation, we know this more than anyone. Mike and I want this to be a pro fight, with full face shots. We’re submitting that request to the commission. It’s an all-out war. There’s been all these fake videos about not being able to hit each other, big gloves, all that stuff. It’s all, as [Donald] Trump would say, fake news,” Paul stated
Even if the fight goes ahead as a pro bout, there are worries over the motive behind the fight. A win does nothing to help Paul’s desire to become a world champion. It places the full risk on him since a loss damages his brand. As for Tyson, the 58-year-old has no reason to make the fight.
He was a former Undisputed Heavyweight Champion who has been doing well financially since leaving the sport. Reports indicate both men could earn over $20 million for the fight. While that is a large sum, Tyson denied doing it for money. But based on the match-up, there are concerns it should not happen.
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