Mike Tyson has no time for critics of his upcoming fight with Jake Paul.
The heavyweight legend has received widespread criticism for choosing to return to the ring at 58 years old to fight Paul in a showdown, which could even be a sanctioned professional bout.
‘Iron Mike’ hasn’t fought competitively since 2005 when he retired following defeat to Kevin McBride, but did compete in an exhibition against Roy Jones Jr in 2020.
But despite being subject to multiple health warnings, the former undisputed champion has insisted anyone who talks out of turn about his appearance is simply ‘jealous’.
He told Reuters: “I’m 58 and what? I’m getting billions of views from just talking to somebody about fighting.
“Everybody, even most of the athletes, they’re jealous, that’s whack. I say in your prime you couldn’t draw a million people, man.
“What are you talking, you couldn’t sell out arena. Who at 58 could sell out an 80,000-seat arena?
“Why you think he wants to fight me and not anybody else? Everybody wants to fight him, all the boxers want to fight him.
“But if he fought them the only people that will come are the people that like him. The other guys, their parents might not even come watch them.
“That’s just keeping it real. They’re too boring for their children to watch, it’s like watching grass grow.”
The boxing legend’s bout will no doubt still attract the interest of millions around the globe, and he is set to receive a lucrative $20million purse according to reports.
He has been documenting his training by posting footage for fans on social media which has received mixed response, with many doubting his credibility to fight at his late age.
Tyson’s professional career already came to a disappointing end with three defeats in his last four fights before retirement, and KO loss to Paul could land another damaging blow on his legacy.
But his current trainer Rafael Cordeiro has insisted he is in great shape and will be a real threat in the fight.
He told MMA Hour: “I believe we don’t have to be concerned about it. We’re talking about a two-time world champion.
“The guy didn’t have 20 fights in two years, he knows how to fight. He’s fought against the best guys in the world.
“When he steps inside the ring he knows what to do. It’s not something new for Mike, and this fight is no different.
“He works hard every single day to go in there and try to knock Jake out from the beginning to the end. He’s going to prove that in July.”
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News Summary:
- Mike Tyson issues first response to ‘jealous’ Jake Paul fight critics in angry rant
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