Jake Paul issues warning to Mike Tyson and addresses critics of their November showdown – as the viral star names the MMA legend he wants to fight in the PFL cage
Jake Paul has thrown down the gauntlet to Mike Tyson ahead of their highly anticipated clash in November.
The social media star has made waves in the boxing world since making his professional debut four years ago.
In a series of highly publicized fights, the 27-year-old, who first rose to fame on the now-defunct social media platform Vine, has amassed a record ten wins with just one defeat in the ring.
However, his biggest challenge still lies ahead of him as he prepares to fight former undisputed heavyweight champion Tyson in eight rounds at AT&T Stadium in November.
Tyson earned his reputation as one of the most fearsome punchers the sport of boxing has ever known, racking up 24 first-round knockouts in a professional career that spanned from 1985 until his first retirement in 2005.
Jake Paul insisted he is prepared for whatever Mike Tyson will throw at him when they meet in the ring
The social media star will face Tyson in an eight-round professional fight in November
Pair was initially scheduled to fight earlier this year before Tyson had to withdraw
Ahead of their clash, Paul emphasized that he has been diligently preparing for Tyson’s flashy style.
“I mean, it’s just being alert and knowing what to do in that situation.” Paul told Mail Sport.
“I could definitely tell he was trying [go for an early KO]but he will soon find out that I also have a lot of power.
“So doing that with someone like me isn’t always the smartest thing to do, because I’ll catch one of his shots and then counter.”
At a press conference before the event, Paul criticized Tyson for requesting that the fight be conducted in two-minute rounds.
“It’s interesting, I just base it on facts.” continued Paul. ‘He said, ‘watch your form, watch your form’. I think: okay, but just look.
‘It could be to his advantage. I also think it’s smart that he does that. I fight against all his rules and what he wanted.
“He wanted it to be a pro fight. He wanted eight two-minute rounds. So I give him everything he wants. I’m going to his playground, and I’m going to beat him.’
While the event – which will be broadcast worldwide on Netflix pay-per-view in a first for the streaming giant – has generated notable attention, significant criticism remains, particularly around the 31-year age difference between the fighters.
The 27-year-old insisted fans concerned about the 31-year age gap should take their concerns directly to Tyson.
The former undisputed champion has not fought since an exhibition with Roy Jones Jnr in 2020
After all, Paul wasn’t even born during Tyson’s legendary first world title and was only eight years old when Iron Mike first hung up his gloves after defeating Irish journeyman Kevin McBride in 2005.
The backlash only gained traction after Tyson, 58, was forced to pull out of the originally scheduled July date after suffering a medical emergency on a plane.
However, Paul insisted that opponents should raise any concerns they have about the Tyson match themselves.
“I’d say say it to Mike Tyson’s face and see what happens.” He added.
“Mike does what Mike wants to do, and he’s the one you know wanted to make it a pro fight. He still wants to do it, and he believes he can really beat me behind the scenes.
“For him, age is just a number, and he looks athletic, he looks strong and he looks good on the mitts, so we’ll see how that translates to the ring.”
One of the main factors that has made Paul’s foray into martial arts so appealing is his ability to seemingly have multiple future plans for his career in place at the same time.
In addition to signing with the Professional Fighters League ahead of a highly publicized MMA debut, Paul has also declared his intention to represent the US on home soil in amateur boxing at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Paul was also at that event and delivered a devastating KO against former NBA star Nate Robinson
Since then, he has scored a series of notable victories against stars of MMA in the ring
One fighter he has his sights on is UFC pound-for-pound great and devastating knockout artist Alex Pereira.
When asked if a deal could be made for such a fight to take place inside the ring, Paul added that he believes UFC president Dana White is willing to make such a gamble.
‘I’m disappointed, of course it depends on Dana, but I don’t think he would take the risk of letting Pereira fight me.
“I just think it would be too risky because he’s basically the biggest star in the UFC now, so I don’t see Dana pulling him out of his contract to box me. But I want the fight.
“I think the fans want the fight. I want the baddest guy in the UFC, and that’s Pereira, and because if I beat him, everyone will be stunned, and after that there will be no excuses.”
With a multitude of options in the boxing world for him, you would be forgiven for thinking that Paul had neglected his potential MMA debut inside the PFL cage.
However, he insisted that a trio of former UFC stars he has previously defeated in the ring remain in his sights.
Paul has his own ambitions to compete in the cage and signed a deal with the PFL last year to make his MMA debut
“Yeah, I mean, I wanted Nate Diaz, and he kept ignoring the offer. But I think there’s definitely potential to do MMA with Mike Perry or Tyron Woodley.
“I think if there’s the right opponent for MMA, I’ll jump in.
“I hope and pray that Nate Diaz has to come with me because I believe that would be legendary, and if I beat him I’ll literally steal his entire legacy.”