Why is Mike Tyson fighting Jake Paul at 58? 'Iron' says it's because he's "one of those gluttons for pain"
The Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight has been a subject of intense debate and discussion since it was officially announced earlier this year. The legendary Tyson recently shed light on why he's chosen to return to the squared circle against 'The Problem Child.'
Paul, who's a well-known YouTuber-cum-boxer, was initially scheduled to fight former undisputed heavyweight champion boxer Tyson in a heavyweight bout on July 20, 2024. Nevertheless, in late May, Tyson was afflicted by an ulcer flare-up, which led to his withdrawal from the July 20 event.
Paul boxed against BKFC star and ex-UFC welterweight Mike Perry in a cruiserweight bout instead, defeating Perry via sixth-round TKO. Presently, the Paul-Tyson heavyweight bout is booked to take place on Nov. 15, 2024.
It'll mark Tyson's first professional boxing match since June 2005. Tyson's latest combat sports contest was an exhibition boxing bout against Roy Jones Jr. in Nov. 2020. Many fans and experts have criticized the Paul-Tyson matchup, citing the 30-year-plus age differential as an unfair advantage for Paul.
Speaking to Timothy Bella for Esquire, before the Paul-Perry fight, 'Iron' Mike Tyson addressed various topics. The 58-year-old notably explained why he's fighting the 27-year-old Paul. A report by Yahoo Sports referenced the interview and seemingly highlighted Tyson's reasoning behind accepting the Paul matchup.
Tyson asked if he could be honest and proceeded to state:
"I don't think he can hurt me."
Moreover, the combat sports icon referred to himself as a "glory junkie," adding that he loves when people think about him all day. 'Iron' asserted that he'd prefer living a short life of glory instead of a long life of obscurity. The boxing legend highlighted that it's just who he is.
Tyson indicated that he's a glutton for punishment, unafraid of taking up difficult tasks that others might steer clear of. 'Iron' said:
"This is all I started fighting for — to get all this f**king status. I'm going to be chasing it for the rest of my life. I know that. I'm never going to get what I want, because I'm one of those gluttons for pain. I can never get enough."
'Iron' Mike Tyson's message for Jake Paul after 'The Problem Child's' win over Mike Perry
Following his spectacular sixth-round stoppage victory against Mike Perry, Jake Paul took to the mic in his in-ring post-fight interview and issued call-outs to Mike Tyson and UFC superstar Alex Pereira. Paul implied that he'll first fight Tyson in their long-awaited clash in November and would then welcome reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Pereira to the boxing ring.
Meanwhile, Mike Tyson took to X and ominously made an allusion to his upcoming fight against Jake Paul being akin to 'Jake's Wake.' Tyson warned that the countdown to their heavyweight boxing showdown has commenced. Furthermore, the fearsome boxing great had previously posted an Instagram video, insinuating that Paul's fate in their matchup would be to get knocked out.