Mike Tyson wasn’t always so keen on facing YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
The two are scheduled to face each other later this year in what will be the former heavyweight champion’s first professional fight since he hung up the gloves nearly twenty years ago.
The age gap of 30 years has caused many fans and pundits to fear for the safety of Tyson and those concerns only grew when the 58-year-old had to postpone the bout after suffering an ulcer flare-up.
“I want to thank my fans around the world for their support and understanding during this time. 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.”
But since then Tyson has resumed training and sent various warnings to his opponent ahead of their clash.
However, it wasn’t long ago that the heavyweight legend once completely ruled out facing Paul. Just under two years ago Tyson appeared on the Full Send Podcast and explained why he ‘would never’ entertain the fight.
“My family loves Jake Paul, I would never, I would never fight him. Everyone in my family love this little white motherf***er..
Let him has 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.”
Paul vs Tyson takes place on November 15 at the AT&T Stadium in Texas and will be streamed live on Netflix.
