Mike Tyson has made headlines once again, calling himself a “junkie” while discussing his lifelong battle with addiction just two months before his highly publicized fight against Jake Paul. The former heavyweight champion was originally slated to face the YouTuber-turned-boxer earlier this summer, but a health scare involving an inflamed ulcer led to the match being rescheduled for November 15.

As the boxing world buzzes with mixed opinions on the matchup—pitting the 58-year-old Tyson against the 31-year-old Paul—Tyson has been candid about his substance use while preparing for the bout at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

“I’ve smoked weed all my life. Listen, I was born an addict. I was born that way. I’m a junkie,” Tyson stated during an appearance on the Come And Talk 2 Me podcast. He further elaborated, “I don’t know what to do. I don’t get high now, but that’s who I am. I switch my addiction to something else, but I’m a junkie.”

Despite having to give up marijuana for the fight—due to it being a banned substance in Texas—Tyson admits he recently experimented with mushrooms. “I was smoking not too long ago. I’m cool now, probably two weeks or so without smoking. I did a little mushrooms before I came here though,” he said.

Reports suggest that Tyson will not be assessed for substances until the day before the fight, raising concerns that the bout could be downgraded from professional to an exhibition or even canceled. However, Tyson remains optimistic, asserting that he is fully prepared to face Paul and insists he will emerge victorious.

“I’ll beat him very badly,” Tyson declared confidently, recalling his previous match against Roy Jones Jr. where he allowed his opponent to engage before planning to finish him. With training videos showcasing his impressive physique and punching power, fans are eagerly awaiting the showdown, wondering if the iconic boxer can reclaim his former glory in the ring