UK NEWS – Mike Tyson’s upcoming showdown with Jake Paul has captured the attention of boxing fans and casual observers alike, thanks in part to Paul’s signature flair for theatrics. The YouTuber-turned-boxer recently upped the ante by making a bold $5 million bet against the former heavyweight champion, challenging Tyson to last more than four rounds in their highly anticipated bout. While Paul’s challenge was delivered with his usual bravado, Tyson’s response—or rather, lack thereof—speaks volumes about his mindset leading up to the fight.
In a video posted to his gambling platform, Betr, Paul made his outrageous offer, lounging shirtless on a sofa with cash stacked on his belly. “Mikey, Mikey, if you can last more than four rounds with me, I’ll give you an extra $5 million,” Paul declared. But, as is typical of Paul’s antics, there was a catch: if Tyson couldn’t survive those four rounds, he would have to get a tattoo reading “I love Jake Paul.” The social media star’s challenge quickly made waves online, but Tyson has remained silent, leaving fans to wonder what’s going through the boxing legend’s mind.
In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Paul addressed the bet and Tyson’s silence. “I think I TKO or KO him in rounds four or five. But yeah, he hasn’t responded to the bet, and I don’t think he probably will. I think he’s locked-in in war mode,” Paul explained, hinting that Tyson is fully focused on the fight rather than engaging in Paul’s mind games. The lack of a response suggests Tyson may be less concerned with gimmicks and more intent on delivering a serious performance in the ring.
Despite Paul’s attempts to taunt and mock Tyson—most notably in a viral video where Paul wore a fake fat suit while lifting pretend weights—Tyson has remained steadfast. At a recent LF* GO! press conference, Tyson acknowledged Paul’s antics but assured fans that he is taking the fight with the 27-year-old seriously. “I think he’s taking it very seriously because his health depends on it. I’m not looking past him. I’m not taking it lightly at all,” Tyson said, dismissing the notion that Paul’s jokes have any impact on his focus.
Tyson’s commitment to preparation has been a hot topic of discussion. During a candid interview with Jimmy Kimmel, Tyson revealed that he’s been training for six hours a day in preparation for the fight. “I start at 11am and might leave the gym at 5pm,” Tyson said, leaving Kimmel visibly surprised. Although Kimmel joked about the late start time, Tyson’s dedication is clear, reinforcing his determination to put on a strong performance against the younger fighter.
While many have speculated about Tyson’s serious approach to training, his comments about possibly being high during the fight have added a layer of unpredictability to the match. When asked by Kimmel if he plans to be “high off life” during the fight, Tyson responded affirmatively, even teasing the possibility of using marijuana before stepping into the ring. The remark, though lighthearted, left fans and even Kimmel himself questioning how it might affect Tyson’s performance.
With just weeks to go until the fight, the buildup has been anything but ordinary, thanks to Paul’s antics and Tyson’s enigmatic persona. Whether or not the $5 million bet materializes, one thing is certain: fans are in for a spectacle when these two vastly different personalities clash in the ring. Tyson’s silence on the bet may reflect his focus, but as the fight approaches, all eyes will be on how this legendary boxer handles the rising provocateur.
