Tyson Declares ‘Iron Mike’ Is Back For Jake Paul Fight – ‘That Guy Haunts Me’

November 6, 2024

1 month

Tyson Declares 'Iron Mike' Is Back For Jake Paul Fight - 'That Guy Haunts Me'

Mike Tyson says his alter ego, Iron Mike, is back for his fight with Jake Paul.

Tyson will box Paul on November 15, which will air on Netflix for the platform’s first-ever boxing fight. Fans will see him have a professional fight in an eight-rounder, with two-minute rounds. The last time they saw Tyson enter a boxing ring in a professional capacity was in 2005, when he lost to Kevin McBride. He has since then had a single boxing fight against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020, but that was an exhibition. During his career, Tyson developed a reputation for being one of the best heavyweights of all time.

Tyson’s Legacy

He became the youngest heavyweight champion in 1986 when he secured the WBC Heavyweight Title at the age of 20. He would also become the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World when he defeated Tony Tucker in 1987. The 50 wins he secured had 44 KOs. He was eventually inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011. He has become an iconic character in the sport, both for his life in and outside the ring.

Since declaring bankruptcy, Tyson has returned and developed a successful business. He has set up his ‘Mike Tyson 2.0 brand, where he sells cannabis-related products. Given that he had been out of the sport for so long, fans could have been forgiven for feeling that he was simply taking the Paul fight to make money. While he will be paid handsomely, with suggestions that he could earn at least $20 million, Tyson has warned Paul against not taking this seriously. He made it clear that his alter ego, Iron Mike, the name that made him the baddest man on the planet, is back.

Tyson’s Mindset

“I’m always careful when that guy comes out. Every time I drink or get ready to get in a fight, I break out in handcuffs. Unfortunately I have to fight and be that guy. I wish I could stop that guy. That guy haunts me. I wish I could stop that guy. … I wish that guy died, but he’s here to stay. … The only thing I need to think of is being young and people bullying me,” Tyson said

Tyson’s problem is whether his body can live up to his mindset. He will be considerably older, as the 58-year-old will face Paul, who is three decades younger at 27. Tyson also withdrew from the original July 20 date after suffering from an inflamed ulcer. This was after he began training for the original July 20 fight date, showing that he may suffer when his body is under intense pressure.

Evander Holyfield also made his comeback at 58 against Victor Belfort in 2021. It ended in disaster as he was dropped in the first round and repeatedly hit before the referee stopped the fight. There are concerns that Tyson may be risking his health, given that there is no financial need to take this fight. But his desire to face the best made Tyson one of the most loved boxers. And that mindset may be enough to secure him a win over Jake Paul come fight night.