Jake Paul doubles down on world title aspirations as he fires back at 'disrespectful' comments over Mike Tyson's age
23/08/2024 11:02
After hosting the PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants press conference last night, Jake 'The Problem Child' Paul took aim at those in the boxing world over their discrediting of Mike Tyson due to his age.
The divisive clash between the social media sensation and the legendary boxing champion has been rescheduled for November 15 in Arlington, Texas – with 'The Problem Child' claiming that he'll be well on his way to a world title fight, should he get through 58-year-old Mike Tyson.
Jake Paul doubles down on world title aspirations in boxing
Having bounced back from his split decision loss to Tommy Fury with four consecutive wins in the ring, three of which came by way of knockout, Jake Paul remains adamant that it'll only be a matter of time before he finds himself in world title contention.
"Yeah 100%, that's why I'm here – cruiserweight – that's why I'm still here in the sport, still motivated, still training hard," he told talkSPORT's Gareth A. Davies following the PFL press conference last night.
"At the end of the day, when I do become world champion, everyone can shut the f*** up and they won't have anything else to say… All the critiques will echo away, and no one will listen anymore because becoming a world champion, what can anyone say when that happens?
The 27-year-old argued that "I'm here to create the greatest sports story in the history of the sport, the most relatable one," sharing how he hopes such a tale of going from 'zero to hero' will inspire thousands of people around the world.
"It's cool to be 6'7" and jump 40" and go to the NBA but I want to be an example to the kids out there that in six years, I can go from zero not knowing what a right-cross is to becoming a world champion.
"I should be the example for other people out there where you can start something and in six years' time, they can become the best at it."
Jake Paul fires back at 'disrespectful' comments over Mike Tyson's age
Unsurprisingly, age has been a significant part of the global conversation surrounding the upcoming Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson boxing fight, with 'The Problem Child' firing back at those who claim 'Iron' is too old to be taking such a bout.
"I think it's disrespectful to Mike first and foremost; I would say to them to 'Get into the ring with him' and then I would say if Mike wants to fight, then Mike's going to fight.
"If he wants to fight, and he wants to make it a professional fight then okay, I want to fight Mike Tyson – that's legendary, it's an honor to be in the ring with him and if he wants the fight to be a pro fight, okay let's do it."
Paul explained that the more that people hate the matchup, the more interest they'll have come November 15 as he also claimed that the majority of the criticism is coming from the 'old guard' of the boxing world, not its new generation of fans.
"I get the old guard and old people want to see me lose but at the end of the day, that's what makes this fight interesting with two generations coming together… I think [everyone] 30 years or older wants Mike Tyson [to win], 25 and younger want me to win.
“That's what makes it very interesting and at the end of the day, power is the last thing to go so I still have to be super alert and super sharp throughout the whole fight."
Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul is scheduled to go down on November 15, live exclusively on Netflix.
