Jake Paul has admitted that he expects ‘one of us to die’ when he takes on Mike Tyson in two months, who will be 58 years of age when they step into the ring.
The controversial fight has been officially sanctioned by Texas authorities, meaning it will appear on their respective official records.
It will be shorter than most pro fights with the bout taking place over eight two-minute rounds with the gloves being extra padded at 14oz as opposed to the usual 10oz.
Paul has claimed it was Tyson who pushed for the fight to be professionally sanctioned.
And the YouTube star is ready to put his life on the line when they eventually go face-to-face in the ring on July 20.
Jake Paul will face Mike Tyson in the ring in July
REUTERS
“It’s war; all is fair in love and war,” Paul said.
“I love the guy, but as soon as it turned into a pro fight, one of us has to die.
“He’s taking this very, very seriously and that’s what’s going to make the fight amazing for all the fans.
“He’s a killer. I’m moving up to the heavyweight division so he’s going to have some advantages but that’s what’s going to make this fight exciting.
“We both have one-punch knockout. This is what he was destined to do and what he was born for.
“And he was the one who wanted it to be a pro fight.
“We were figuring out the rules and Mike said, ‘I want it to be a pro fight. I want to end this kid and stop everything he’s doing.’
“So I agreed to make it a pro fight and it’s as real as it gets.”
There have been serious concerns raised by many in the boxing community about the fight going ahead for Tyson’s health.
Mike Tyson will be 58 years old when he steps back into the ring
REUTERS
Promoter Ben Shalom is one of many who feels the fight shouldn’t be professionally sanctioned given the age gap between the two.
“I’m all for entertainment but where it stops for me is when it makes a mockery of the sport,” he said.
“When you think about the dedication that fighters put into their professional craft, you don’t want that to then be taken the p*** out of.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Jake Paul feels ready to die in the ring
REUTERS
“Having a 58-year-old in a professional boxing fight is clearly not professional and that’s where the line has to be drawn for these fights.
“It’s ok for entertainment but for me, it’s a major step too far [making it pro], it is a circus act, you couldn’t get anything more ridiculous.
“When they try to take each other’s heads off there are then a lot of medical risks for an older fighter (Tyson).”
Source Agencies
