Jake Paul has disclosed that Mike Tyson expressed concerns about their upcoming bout as the influencer gears up to face Mike Perry this weekend.
Originally scheduled nearly 20 years after Tyson’s last professional fight, the match was postponed due to the 58-year-old suffering a recent ulcer flare-up. A new date of November 15 has been slated, which includes Paul versus Tyson and Amanda Serrano’s rematch with Katie Taylor on the undercard.
However, Paul has chosen to first find a new opponent for this weekend and will now square off against former UFC fighter Mike Perry, known for his involvement in bare-knuckle boxing over the last two years. Referring to Perry as a “Mike appetiser,” Paul commented, “This is a Mike warm-up, but they’re both killers at the end of the day, and I do have to be sharp. He does have one punch knockout power that I do have to respect. But other than that, it’s going to be easy. This is what I do. I’m here to fight. I love to take risks and do big events.”
Paul revealed Tyson’s apprehensions about the fight potentially jeopardizing the biggest fight of his career. He added, “That’s what puts the pressure on me, and I love that. I’m not slowing down for anybody. Mike Perry is not going to be the one to stop me. I’m on a path to world championship. I’m not slowing down for anybody.”
Originally planned as a professional bout, Paul’s fight with Tyson was sanctioned after a review by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The match was scheduled for eight two-minute rounds with 14oz gloves, different from the standard 10oz gloves.
There were ongoing concerns regarding Tyson’s health even before his recent health scare, with heavyweight Deontay Wilder criticizing the commission’s decision to approve the fight. “He’s too old for this,” Wilder remarked to Sportsbook Review. “We can talk about the pros and cons, but at the end of the day, they don’t give a f***.”
Wilder expressed concern about Tyson’s welfare, stating, “I don’t want the last thing I remember of him is him getting knocked out by a Youtuber.” In response to critics, Tyson defended his decision to fight, telling Esquire, “Then let Mike get hurt. You don’t have to worry about paying my bills.”
The controversy surrounding the match has intensified debates about Tyson’s comeback and the risks associated with older boxers stepping back into the ring. Despite the concerns, Tyson remains resolute in his decision to fight and continues to prepare for his upcoming bouts.
