Mike Tyson, the 58-year-old former undisputed heavyweight world champion, confirmed that his scheduled face-off with Jake Paul on November 15 at ATT Stadium, is not driven by financial desires. Although Tyson had to withdraw from an earlier match set for July due to an ulcer flare-up, he is determined to take on Paul.
Tyson, whose last professional fight was a loss to Kevin McBride in 2005, last exhibited his knockout punch in 2003 against Clifford Etienne. He did participate in an 8-round exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020 that resulted in a draw. On the other hand, Paul, also known as ‘The Problem Child’, made his professional debut in 2020 and most recently knocked out ex-UFC star Mike Perry in July.
Despite his current reliance on cannabis-based earnings, Tyson stressed his return to the ring is about the personal challenge, not the monetary reward. He expressed this sentiment in September, during commentary at a Cage Wars MMA event. He emphasized his desire to ‘expose himself to risk’ and ‘see who he really is.’
While Tyson admits he’s not at optimal health at present, he believes he will be in perfect shape by fight time. The confirmation of Tyson-Paul bout has stoked criticism, which 27-year-old Paul dismisses as he pursues history-making, rather than wealth accumulation.
