Mike Tyson claims Jake Paul will 'run like a thief' in the ring

Former world champion Mike Tyson says he will make short work of YouTuber-turned-boxer when he returns to the ring for November's clash in Texas.

Staff Writers
Reuters
Mike Tyson (L) and Jake Paul have faced off in New York to publicise their November ring showdown.  (EPA PHOTO)
Mike Tyson (L) and Jake Paul have faced off in New York to publicise their November ring showdown. (EPA PHOTO) Credit: AAP

Mike Tyson said he was fit and ready for his November 15 fight against Jake Paul as the two American boxers held a joint news conference in New York City.

The match was originally scheduled for July 20 but was postponed after former world heavyweight champion Tyson, 58, had an ulcer flare-up that forced some resting time.

“Iron Mike”, who has a 50-6 record with 44 knockouts, was one of the most feared heavyweights in history but has not fought a professional fight since 2005.

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When asked why he returned to the ring so long after retirement, Tyson’s response was clear: “Because I can. Who else can do it but me? We have a YouTuber fighting the greatest fighter ever to live.”

“He may have been in the ring with people who have the same intentions, but the actuality, no.

“As soon as I catch this guy it’s going to be totally over, he is going to run. He is gonna run like a thief.”

Paul, who was booed and heckled by the crowd, claimed he would put Tyson to sleep.

“I am here to make $40 million and knock out a legend,” Paul said.

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“I love Mike and I respect him but we are not friends anymore until November 15.”

When asked if he was afraid of being in the ring with Paul, Tyson replied sarcastically: “I am terrified.”

YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul, 27, is 31 years his junior and has a 10-1 boxing record.

The fight will be streamed live globally on Netflix and will take place at the 80,000-seat AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys.

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