The much-anticipated fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson has already caused a huge stir. Their contentious bout, set as a professional boxing match that will count on both personal records, is due to take place on November 15 at the AT&T Arena in Arlington, Texas, in front of around 90,000 people.
Originally scheduled for July, the event was delayed when Tyson had to withdraw due to an ulcer flare-up just weeks before. The boxing icon had to cease training following his doctor's advice, resulting in the postponement of the fight by four months.
However, Tyson recently claimed he is "ulcer-free" and more than ready to take on the former YouTuber. Paul was disappointed but understanding when the fight was postponed. Yet, after Tyson was seen partying soon after his ulcer flare-up, the Ohio native reportedly changed his opinion on "Iron Mike".
Both Paul and Tyson have largely maintained a respectful demeanour towards each other leading up to their clash. Their camaraderie dates back to when Paul participated in the undercard of Tyson's exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr in 2020, which was Tyson's first time back in the ring after nearly 15 years.
After honing his skills in the ring for a few more years, Paul set his sights on luring Tyson back into the fray. Negotiations between the two reportedly kicked off in late 2023, culminating in an official announcement of their bout in March 2024.
Tensions flared, however, when footage surfaced online showing Tyson enjoying himself at a party shortly after he withdrew from the fight citing medical reasons.
Paul's manager Nakisa Bidarian didn't hide his frustration, stating to the MMA Hour that 'the Problem Child' was "p*****" about the situation", especially since Paul had previously voiced concern for 'The Baddest Man on the Planet'. Bidarian expressed his confusion over the matter when he said: "I thought he [Tyson] was injured, what's going on?"
The tension between the pair has seemingly increased (Image: Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Netflix)
While Tyson has not directly answered questions regarding his purported partying, the 58-year-old admitted he lost a bit of discipline when it came to his nutrition. In an interview with the Daily Mail, he said: "I was doing too much bad food and stuff, and I got sick."
The New York native also mentioned he had excessive vaping habits during that period but claims to have cut down and started steering away from "processed foods" so he is ready to fight Paul.
With a 31-year age gap between Tyson and Paul, critics have slammed the event as hazardous for Tyson given his age and warned it could tarnish his legacy. Nonetheless, Tyson insists he's unconcerned about such concerns.
"I didn't take this fight for legacy," he declared emphatically. "I think legacy really, to my perspective, legacy is ego. Who gives a f*** how people think about them when they are gone? I'm dead. I can't value off what somebody might think about me when I'm dead, so it means nothing to me."
