Jake Paul is pursuing an interesting promotional strategy heading into his summer showdown against Mike Tyson.
The always-confident Paul admitted to vulnerability and fear on Monday at the Apollo Theater in New York during the kickoff press conference of their July 20 fight.
“I know it's going to be tough [fighting against Tyson],” said Paul. “I know I am going to have to fight through adversity. I know I might even go to the canvas. I'm scared, don't get me wrong. But it's not about the fear of stopping me, it's about going into it even though I am scared. And that's what true bravery is.”
But Paul also countered his claims.
“I know I will be able to [take Tyson's power],” he said. “I'm a natural-born heavyweight. This is what I was born to do. I'm going to show Mike who has more power. Because he's underestimating me. Everyone else is underestimating me. I believe I hit harder … It's going to be a firefight and a sprint in there and more entertaining for the fans.”
Paul made his professional boxing debut in 2020 and fought his second pro fight on the undercard of Tyson’s comeback exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr.
Tyson, 58, and Paul, 27, will fight in a professional bout contested over eight, two-minute rounds with 14-ounce gloves.
“He was game,” said Paul. “I think this has been a long time coming. We've been calling each other out for years and we finally made it happen on Netflix, the biggest platform in the world. Things just keep on getting bigger and better. This is quite literally history that we are looking at over here. Mike wanted this. Mike wanted it to be a pro fight. Mike wants a war. So I respect that, and for stepping up and taking this fight and trying to put an end to me. That's what all of these fighters have been trying to do – end the YouTuber. And if Mike can do that, then he's a hero.”
Since making his pro debut in 2020, Paul has parlayed his prolific one-punch knockout power into stoppage wins against the likes of faded former MMA champions Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley as well as decision victories against UFC stars like Nate Diaz and Anderson Silva.
“There are a lot of people who see me as an arrogant a******, which I can be sometimes. But I am just having fun and entertaining the world. The older generation wants to see Mike knock me out, but at the end of the day, I also have the kids rooting for me and want to see me end Mike.
“They call him 'Iron' Mike Tyson but I am 'Titanium' Jake Paul.”
Tyson, once the most feared heavyweight in the world, has not fought professionally since 2005.
“A lot of people are doubting me,” Paul said. “I see the comments, saying, 'if Jake wins this fight it's rigged' because of how incredible he looks. Age doesn't matter. He's a killer. He's a warrior. He's been doing this his whole life so it's second nature to him. I've only been doing this for four years and at a super high level. On July 20, I'm going to show the world that I can outbox Mike Tyson and prove everyone wrong, and show that I'm going to be the one doing the killing.”
Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist, writer, and broadcast reporter. He’s also a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and the MMA Journalists Association. He can be reached on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube at @ManoukAkopyan, through email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com, or via www.ManoukAkopyan.com.
