When news broke that Mike Tyson would be stepping into the ring with Jake Paul, the reaction was understandably perplexed: why would the legendary boxer, at 58 years old and four years retired, choose to fight an upstart like Paul, a 27-year-old former YouTuber-turned-boxer trying to establish himself in the sport?

Tyson addressed the curiosity in a recent interview with Esquire by Timothy Bella, offering a straightforward explanation: “Can I be honest? I don’t think he can hurt me.”

Despite Paul’s 9-1 record, Tyson’s confidence in his ability to handle Paul’s punches reflects his unwavering self-assurance. Bella highlighted Tyson’s ongoing battle with addiction, noting Tyson’s current addictions—marijuana, his wife’s praise, and a lingering addiction to glory from his fighting days.

“I’m a glory junkie. I love people thinking about me all day,” Tyson admitted. “I’d rather live a short life of glory than a long life of obscurity. It’s just who I am.”

For Tyson, facing a much younger opponent like Paul isn’t just about reliving past glory—it’s about satisfying a deep-seated need for recognition and challenge. Despite the postponed match due to health issues, Tyson remains committed to this pursuit of glory, even if it means enduring physical pain in the process.

While Paul prepares to face another opponent in the interim, Tyson’s decision to box him signifies his enduring quest for the spotlight and the thrill of competition that defined his career.