MMA star Mike Perry has confidently stepped in to replace Mike Tyson in the upcoming bare knuckle boxing match against Jake Paul, scheduled for July 20 at Amalie Arena. Despite his extensive UFC experience with 15 fights, Perry has limited professional boxing experience, having suffered a knockout nearly a decade ago in his lone boxing bout against Kenneth McNeil in 2015. Perry aims to redeem this loss and views his bout with Paul as preparation for Paul’s anticipated match with Tyson, originally scheduled for the same date but postponed.
The match poses a significant risk for Paul, known as “Problem Child,” as a loss to Perry could damage his reputation and jeopardize his health ahead of the rescheduled bout with Tyson later this year. Despite this, Perry remains singularly focused on the immediate challenge in Tampa, Florida, dismissing the hype surrounding Paul’s future fights. Perry expressed his determination and animosity towards Paul in an interview with TMZ Sports, emphasizing their lack of friendship: “Jake, bro, we’ve never been friends.”
