Jake Paul is preparing to face Mike Perry this weekend - but the YouTuber was originally slated to fight Mike Tyson.
It was announced in March that the influencer would be squaring off against heavyweight boxing legend ‘Iron Mike’ at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The event was scheduled for July 20 and was set to be broadcast on Netflix, signifying one of the streaming platform’s first steps into the world of live sport.
Paul, 27, has built up a 9-1 professional boxing record against the likes of Tommy Fury and UFC legends Anderson Silva and Nate Diaz. Tyson is renowned as one of the best, most hard-hitting boxing champions of all time but Paul has faced criticism for agreeing to the bout, given that the Hall of Fame fighter will be 58 years old when he makes his ring walk.
The fight was shelved in May after Tyson suffered an ulcer flareup aboard a plane, with the bout subsequently being rescheduled for November 15. Despite the postponement, Paul decided to honour the initial date by taking on bare-knuckle boxer and former UFC star Mike Perry - but he has remained committed to facing Tyson later this year.
Paul's fight with Perry will take place at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida this weekend. However, the YouTuber has admitted that taking the fight will be a gamble ahead of a lucrative second payday.
"Mike is the baddest man on the planet, one of the greatest heavyweights, if not the greatest heavyweight of all time; he has so much experience," he told DAZN. "I couldn't believe it; I was so happy, so focused, so one-track minded then it just got pulled form underneath me. It was a lot to handle and it transitioned into something else.
"A lot of people think I'm crazy for pivoting to this; why Mike Perry, why now, why take the risk, you could lose the biggest payday of your life against Mike Tyson if you lose to Mike Perry who is a violent killer, a bare-knuckle, undefeated legend over there.”
"I need the experience, I need to stay active,” he added. “I fear no man, I'm ready anytime, any place, anyone, and I truly back that up with my action, it's not just something I say; I'm here to become world champion, I've done everything else I wanted to do in boxing, I've exceeded my expectations so that's my last goal. I will be the cruiserweight world champion."
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Tyson has been very candid since the original bout was called off. “I want to thank my fans around the world for their support and understanding during this time,” Tyson said. “Unfortunately, due to my ulcer flareup, 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. I appreciate everyone’s patience and can't wait to deliver an unforgettable performance later this year."
Although originally described as an exhibition match by Tyson, the bout has since been granted professional status by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR). It will be Tyson’s first pro fight since 2005, though he did face Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition in 2020. However, the boxing legend will have to be medically cleared before stepping into the ring.
"At this point, the fight remains an eight-round contest over two-minute rounds with 14-ounce gloves," Tela Mange, Head of Communications for TDLR, told World Boxing News. "As I think I’ve said before, the Department will stay informed about the health of the combatants and will obtain more information if needed to protect their health and safety.
Born and raised in Cleveland, became the Problem Child under the bright lights of Los Angeles and finally found his paradise in Puerto Rico. Jake “El Gallo de Dorado” Paul is back this Saturday when he takes on Mike Perry in Florida
“In addition to pre-licensing medical screening, TDLR’s ringside physicians also conduct pre-fight physicals before the event. TDLR rules state that licensure does not automatically authorise an individual to participate in an event if their health or safety could be compromised.”
While Paul vs Tyson is a controversial matchup, there will be at least one world-class fight on the undercard. Undisputed lightweight champion Katie Taylor will be taking on Amanda Serrano, who is signed to Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, in their highly-anticipated rematch.
Former UFC star Darren Till will be making his professional boxing debut against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. The fight card will also involve influencer Whindersson Nunes.
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