Mike Tyson, the boxing legend who’s now 58, is gearing up for a fight against 27-year-old Jake Paul, despite claiming he doesn’t need the money. So, why is Tyson stepping back into the ring for this bout?
Tyson, known for his unfiltered honesty, didn’t mince words when he spoke about his motivation. "I could be waiting on a check every day from cannabis," he said, referring to his successful cannabis venture, Tyson 2.0. "That’s (B.S.) for me. I’m a man. … I want to go out there and I want to expose myself to risk. … Sometimes I want to see who I really am. I want to see what I'm really made out of."
He made these remarks during his commentary stint at Cage Wars 67, a mixed martial arts event in New York, where he was in the thick of the action, providing insights from ringside. Tyson had previously been vague about his reasons for fighting Paul, which is scheduled for November 15 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. However, his comments on Friday shed some light on his drive to perform on a global stage. “I want to perform in front of the world,” Tyson declared. “To me, that's all I ever knew how to do since I was 14.”
Tyson's enthusiasm for the sport was palpable as he watched the fights at Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady, New York, not too far from his roots in Brooklyn and his formative years training under the legendary Cus D’Amato. The crowd and the atmosphere seemed to ignite something within Tyson, as he reflected on his past and looked forward to his upcoming challenge.
Interestingly, the conversation during Cage Wars 67 frequently circled back to Tyson’s clash with Paul, which is set to be livestreamed by Netflix. Jake Paul has been vocal about his earnings from the fight, claiming a whopping $40 million. Tyson, however, played down the financial aspect. “This fight is not going to change my life financially enough,” Tyson said. “This is just what I want to do.”
Tyson’s recent health issues, specifically an ulcer flareup, had caused a delay in his fight preparation. He reassured fans that he’s back in the game, saying, “I have no more ulcers and my blood count is almost back.” His agent, Andrew Ruf, confirmed that Tyson resumed training in July, a crucial step as the fight date approaches.
With only two months to go until the bout, Tyson has been ramping up his training. He recently sparred for six rounds, a number he plans to increase to ten rounds as he gets closer to the fight. "The fight is won in the gym,” Tyson emphasized, underscoring the importance of rigorous preparation.
Training at 58 presents its own set of challenges compared to his prime years. Tyson admitted that things are a bit “shaky” now. “It’s hard to walk right now,” he said. “But two months from now, I’m going to be perfect.” His commitment to overcoming these obstacles is evident in his use of advanced recovery techniques, including electric stimulation and stem cell therapy. “Listen, I’ll do anything that will help me,” Tyson added, showing his willingness to go the extra mile to get back in top form.
As Tyson continues to train and recover, his determination and drive to compete are clear. This fight isn’t just about money or fame; it’s about proving something to himself and showcasing his enduring love for the sport. For fans and spectators, Tyson’s return to the ring promises to be an exhilarating spectacle, blending nostalgia with the excitement of a new chapter in his storied career.
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