Jake Paul has revealed his father was in tears when he told him he’d be fighting Mike Tyson, as the blockbuster showdown between the two men creeps closer.
The 27-year-old has impressed during his time in boxing, winning 10 of his 11 bouts.
The majority of those have been against former MMA stars, with a defeat to Tommy Fury in February last year the only blot on his record.
Tyson will represent a different challenge, however. Though 58, he’s considered one of the best heavyweights of all time and is still capable of astonishing punching power.
Jake Paul has revealed his father was in tears when he told him he’d be fighting Mike Tyson, as the blockbuster showdown between the two men creeps closerReuters
Paul has been criticised for agreeing to fight Tyson given he’s 27 and his rival is 58.
Yet his father seems to be supportive of the bout, with the former YouTuber and Disney star revealing his father, Greg, was reduced to tears when he heard the news.
“To me, it’s an honour. It’s a win-win. I can’t believe it,” he told Sports Illustrated.
“My dad’s favourite fighter growing up is Mike Tyson. My dad cried when I told him about this opportunity.”
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Paul also addressed some of the criticism he’s received.
The youngster is drowning out any negativity from outside and has insisted he’s unfazed about the backlash.
He continued: “To me, it’s surreal and an iconic moment.
“The co-main event is Katie Taylor versus Amanda Serrano. We’re putting women’s boxing in the most viewed event ever and, all around, it’s a win, but obviously when you’re climbing to the top of the ladder, the windier it gets.
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“So, there’s going to be more critics, but that’s the nature of humans and it is what is.”
Meanwhile, Paul’s manager Nakisa Bidarian has also discussed the upcoming showdown.
He says the showdown represents an ‘opportunity for redemption’ after he struggled against Roy Jones Jr in 2020.
And he insists Tyson could actually end up enhancing his legacy if he beats a man half his age.
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Boxing news: Mike Tyson was Greg Paul’s favourite boxer when he was younger
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“For Mike Tyson, this is his opportunity for redemption,” he said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
“People remember his last fight with [Roy] Jones, sitting on a stool and not getting back up.
“Imagine, for all those people who want to see Jake Paul get knocked out, if Mike Tyson at 58 comes back and knocks out Jake Paul, he’ll be revered for the rest of his days.
“He put an end to this YouTuber’s reign.”
Boxing news: Jake Paul is unfazed by the criticism he’s received ahead of his showdown with Mike Tyson
NETFLIX
Bidarian added: “Now, if Jake does knock out Mike Tyson, sure, there will be a lot of people who are mad.
“But there’s also going to be a lot more opportunities for him in the world of boxing.”