Mike Tyson’s U-Turn On Jake Paul Fight: “I Only Face Real Fighters”

In a stunning reversal, former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson is set to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on November 15 at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium in Texas, with the event broadcast live on Netflix. This fight marks a significant departure from Tyson’s previous stance, where he adamantly declared he would never step into the ring with Paul.

The match, originally scheduled for July 20, had to be postponed due to a medical emergency Tyson experienced on a plane. The incident was later revealed to be an ulcer flare-up, forcing the boxing legend to temporarily halt his rigorous training regimen. Tyson addressed the situation, stating, “Unfortunately, due to my ulcer flare-up, I have been advised by my doctor to lighten my training for a few weeks to rest and recover. My body is in better overall shape than it has been since the 1990s and I will be back to my full training schedule soon. Jake Paul, this may have bought you some time, but in the end, you will still be knocked out and out of boxing for good.”

This fight announcement comes as a surprise to many, especially considering Tyson’s strong words from just over two years ago. During an appearance on the Full Send Podcast, Tyson had emphatically stated that he would never fight Paul, citing his preference for facing “real fighters.” He expressed his respect and affection for Paul, saying, “My family loves Jake Paul, I would never, I would never fight him. Everyone in my family loves this little white motherf***er… Let him have his reign, let him have his time. I don’t want to fight him man. I fight real fighters. I fight fighters that hurt big strong scary men, they’re the ones that I fight.”

Despite his previous declarations, Tyson’s confidence in his ability to defeat Paul remains unchanged. When asked if he would knock Paul out, the 58-year-old Tyson provided the same straightforward prediction he holds today: “So f**king easy.”

The upcoming bout has generated considerable buzz, with fans and critics alike eager to see how this clash of generations and backgrounds will unfold. Paul, who has transitioned from social media stardom to a controversial yet attention-grabbing boxing career, has shown a knack for drawing large audiences and provoking strong reactions from the boxing community.

For Tyson, this fight represents more than just a chance to return to the ring; it’s an opportunity to reinforce his legacy and demonstrate that age and previous health setbacks have not diminished his prowess. Despite his initial reluctance, Tyson’s decision to face Paul reflects his enduring competitive spirit and willingness to adapt to the evolving landscape of modern boxing.

As the fight date approaches, the anticipation continues to build. Fans worldwide are eager to witness this unexpected match-up, wondering if Tyson’s legendary skills will prove too much for Paul or if the younger fighter can defy the odds and secure a monumental victory. One thing is certain: November 15 promises to be a historic night in the world of boxing.