Boxing icon Mike Tyson has thrown a verbal jab at Jake Paul’s new physique, labelling the social media sensation “fat and funky” ahead of their upcoming bout.
The heavyweight legend, known as ‘Iron Mike’, is set to return to the ring this summer on July 20 to face the YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul. Despite the fight being Tyson’s first professional match in nearly two decades and the significant age difference of 31 years, the clash will be recorded in both fighters’ professional records.
Paul has beefed up to an imposing 230lb for the fight, but Tyson didn’t hold back during their heated press conference in Texas, ridiculing his opponent’s weight gain. “I don’t know if he’s in his prime. He’s fat. He should be lean and mean and he’s fat and funky. I saw him with his shirt off though and he’s fat,” Tyson remarked.
In retaliation to Tyson’s comments, Paul retorted: “Hey, Buster Douglas was fat. Am I right? I know, but you know Buster Douglas, I’m better. I’m going to end you quicker than he did and you’ll remember that forever. You started me off. I appreciate that. Mike, I love you. I love you like a father loves his son, but I must discipline you. You’re going down, man.”
Tyson’s previous encounter in the ring was an eight-round exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr, which wasn’t officially scored, taking place four years ago. Paul, on the other hand, made his pro boxing debut on the undercard of that event, knocking out former NBA player Nate Robinson, reports the Mirror.
Ahead of his showdown with Tyson, Paul has indicated his intention to slim down after explaining the reasons behind his considerable weight gain.
“It’s just like shocking to people that that is how much I weigh,” Paul admitted on his BS podcast. “I think just because normally I’m fighting at 200 and walking around at 210. It’s weird to me that I’m weighing 230. But since this was noodling after my last fight I’m just getting to eat as much as possible and it turns out my body carries this weight super well.”
“I’m only growing. I think I’ll get up to 240 and probably cut down so I’m like way faster. But if I’m training for this camp – and camp hasn’t started – but if I’m training in this camp at 240 and then I cut down to 220 it’s basically like I had a 20lbs weight vest on for the whole entire camp. So my muscles are going to be so much stronger and that speed will come through.”
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