Jake Paul reveals Francis Ngannou's "funny" prediction for Mike Tyson fight, dismisses concerns about 'Iron Mike' pulling out again
Jake Paul and Mike Tyson are scheduled to clash on Nov. 15. 'The Problem Child' expects to win, and even found it humorous that former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is predicting 'Iron Mike' to knock him out.
In a recent sitdown with TMZ Sports, Paul touched on various topics regarding his upcoming bout with Tyson, including Ngannou's prediction. Given Tyson's advanced age of 58, which has drawn tremendous criticism, many are expecting him to lose. Ngannou, it seems, is the exception.
Paul, however, is refusing to underestimate the legendary heavyweight, despite his amusement over Ngannou's prediction.
"Mike [Tyson] is big and beefy, and thick and strong, and yeah Francis [Ngannou] actually said that he thinks Mike's going to knock me out, which is funny, but I do have to be careful in the early rounds, because he has that crazy, crazy punching power."
Despite having a healthy amount of respect for Tyson's punching power, 'The Problem Child' asserted his desire to knock him out. After brushing off the suggestion that he might call out a specific fighter following his bout with Tyson, Paul was asked about 'Iron Mike's' recent medical scare.
Moreover, he was asked if he had any reservations about Tyson's ability to make it to fight night. Paul, however, was characteristically optimistic, even revealing that there is no backup fighter in case Tyson withdraws from the matchup.
"I don't have concern. He's doing great, he's super healthy behind the scenes and feeling great, so that's what we're focused on and there's not a backup [fighter] currently."
Check out Jake Paul talk about his upcoming Mike Tyson bout (0:00 and 1:25):
Despite Paul's lack of concern, it is worth noting that Tyson's previous health issues led to the initial postponement of their bout, which was originally scheduled for July 20.
Jake Paul called out Alex Pereira
Despite claiming that there aren't any other fighters who interest him, Jake Paul did call out UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira not too long ago. After TKO'ing BKFC star Mike Perry, 'The Problem Child' challenged 'Poatan' to a boxing match, which the latter actually accepted.
As a former kickboxer, Pereira has expressed an interest in boxing, but as he is currently under contract with the UFC, he is in no position to venture into the squared circle of boxing.