Jake Paul was once tempted with a world title fight offer, but defeat would have meant he’d have to hang up his gloves – a move that would’ve robbed fans of his upcoming clash with boxing icon Mike Tyson.
The YouTube sensation and the former heavyweight king Tyson are set to throw down the gauntlet on July 20 at the AT&T Arena in Texas, in what’s billed as a legit professional scrap.
Tyson, who hung up his gloves nearly 20 years ago and will be hitting 58 when he steps into the ring with Paul, has to clear heart and brain scans to get the green light for the match.
READ MORE:Nick Ball the plasterer turned puncher who idolises Mike Tyson and aiming for world title
READ MORE:‘I’m Tyson Fury’s family member – what John Fury did against Usyk was so wrong’
Learn more
Sky Sports is bringing you 500 live football games to watch, as well access to Cricket, Golf, F1, Boxing, NFL, NBA and more across eight dedicated channels. Sky Sports is the only way to watch all the action this year.
£22 a month
Sky
Paul’s previous showdown saw him drop Ryan Bourland in the first round – three years after he was offered the chance to fight for a cruiserweight world title.
Back then, Paul had a clean 3-0 slate, having dispatched social media rival AnEsonGib, basketball pro Nate Robinson, and former UFC combatant Ben Askren, all by TKO.
A video popped up from Mairis Briedis, pushed out by promoter Kalle Sauerland, shortly after Paul’s third victory, with the cruiserweight champ daring the YouTuber to a duel, putting his belt on the line.
Sauerland stirred the pot on Twitter with the video, posting: “Hey Jake Paul – happy to arrange you taking a shot at Mairis Briedis’ belts, only condition if you lose you have to leave boxing… Deal?”
Who comes out on top in this fight, Mike Tyson or Jake Paul? comments section below
Paul dodged the offer that would have no doubt forced him out of the sport, but still racked up another six bouts before penning a deal to duke it out with the legendary Tyson.
Paul’s upcoming bout with Tyson has been slammed by fans and boxing legends alike, with British ring legend Ricky Hatton blasting the fight as “completely crazy”.
The Hitman told Lord Ping: “Someone needs to have a word and try and stop it from happening. I’ve always said that the influencer fighting game is entertainment, and I’ve never really had an issue with influencer boxing; UFC fighters fighting boxers, YouTubers fighting rappers, whatever it is.
(Image: Daniel McGregor-Huyer/REX/Shutterstock)
“If people want to watch it, then that’s fine. Let’s call it what it is, entertainment. Mike is looking good for his fifty-eight years I wouldn’t mind looking like him at that age he looks explosive.
“Trust me, if he can hit Jake Paul on the chin, he’ll knock him into the middle of next week. I’ve seen Tyson on the pads, and he looks sharp, but he’s fifty-eight. Can he maintain it?
“I think it’s completely crazy. It’s a joke. I don’t mind the exhibition fights when the matchups are even, but this one is on another level completely.”