Mike Tyson has insisted that he’s not a ‘nice’ person as his blockbuster boxing comeback against Jake Paul approaches.
The veteran will return to the ring for the first time since 2020 when he locks horns with his 27-year-old opponent in Arlington, Texas, on November 15.
Tyson was fierce during his prime years but, with the veteran now 58, many aren’t sure what to expect.
Now, however, he’s told reporters that he’s ready to show his nasty side in his bout with Paul. Though he insists he’s not the same man he used to be, he’s also claimed he’s not a soft touch, either.
Boxing news: Mike Tyson has insisted that he’s not a ‘nice’ person as his blockbuster boxing comeback against Jake Paul approaches.
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“I’m not a nice person. I’m a decent person, I try to do the right thing. But a nice person, I am not,” he said, per The Independent.
“Anybody with the [idea] that I’m a nice person is gonna be disappointed. I’m just not.
“I don’t make people happy for no reason, I’m just who I am. I’m not trying to gain friends, that’s basically what I’m saying.
“I don’t want to make friends with you, I don’t care if you put me on your yacht, I don’t give a f**k.
“I’m not gonna ever be nice to nobody; I’ll be kind, but never nice.”
Tyson was then asked what the difference is between being ‘nice’ and ‘kind’.
He continued: “I think being a nice guy is looking for friends, going out of your way to make someone happy.
“I’m not gonna go out of my way to kiss someone’s ass so they can have a great day. I’m just not that guy.
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“To pretty much neglect yourself for someone else’s happiness, I’m not gonna do that.”
Tyson and Paul have been widely criticised for agreeing to fight.
Many figures associated with boxing are worried for the icon’s safety, due to the fact he’ll be receiving punches to the head at the age of 58.
Tyson insists he is fighting for more than just money, however. He says he wants to ‘test himself’ and believes he can beat Paul if he’s able to summon just ’10 per cent’ of the magic of old.
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Boxing news: Mike Tyson says he needs just 10 per cent of his old level in order to beat Jake Paul
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“I’ve been through some spiritual experiences, and things changed for the better in my life, so I’m willing to anticipate being involved in fighting again,” he said.
“Maybe it… maybe it touches my childhood. Maybe it has some connection with my childhood.
“This money from this fight is not gonna change my lifestyle or life one percentage, I will always be able to live this way; I could use a buck like everyone else, but this is not for financial reasons. I’m just doing it because I want to test myself.
“Regardless of me being how old I am, this guy only has 11 fights.
Boxing news: Mike Tyson is in a reflective mood ahead of his blockbuster showdown with Jake Paul
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“If I can just fight a little bit, with my experience… if I can just fight 10 per cent of what I was, he can’t match that.
“That’s being sincere. I’m gonna beat him. I know what I can do, I’ve seen what he’s capable of doing, and I’m not intimidated or afraid of him.”