The sports world waits with bated breath for the Jake Paul – Mike Tyson bout taking place in Arlington, Texas on Nov. 15. In just two weeks, one of the year’s most-anticipated sporting events will finally get underway — and it will mark the 58-year-old Tyson‘s first professional bout since 2005.
Tyson’s opponent, the 27-year-old former YouTube star Paul, has been confident about his chances in this bout; the “common sense” analysis of this fight would suggest that the age gap works in Paul’s favor. However, Tyson is talking just as tough, buoyed by the positive reception to his recent training videos.
Tyson: If my mom were to step into the ring, I’d have a problem with her
In a recent interview with talkSPORT, Tyson discussed his mental and physical approaches to the Paul fight, which takes place at gleaming AT&T Stadium — the home of the Dallas Cowboys. Tyson has pledged to “catch and slaughter” Paul, whose 10-1 record in pro boxing has raised eyebrows around the sport.
“When you’re in a big fight, you have to become delusional and believe you’re somebody that you’re actually not,” Tyson said. “(Paul) is in a lot of trouble.”
But speaking to his approach in general terms, Tyson revealed that is problem with the Problem Child isn’t exclusive to this bout.
“I don’t fear for him because he stepped into the ring,” Tyson said. “If my mother steps into the ring, she has a problem with me. Don’t go in the ring if you don’t want that problem.”
The sad reality is that Tyson’s mother will not see him return to the ring to face Paul. Lorna Mae Tyson (nee Smith) died in 1982, when Mike was only 16 years old and already running afoul of the law. She never got to see Tyson grow into a dominant boxer in the late 1980s, marked by his 1986 ascent as the WBC heavyweight champion.
Tyson is seeking to recover that 1980s-era essence when he steps into the ring two weeks from Friday. By invoking the memory of his long-deceased mother, Tyson is aiming for a psychological advantage over the physically-imposing Paul — who has been warned that not even the 14-ounce gloves to be used in this fight will negate Tyson’s powerful punch.
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