On Monday, former heavyweight champion
Mike Tyson
declared that his choice to return to the ring at 57 was a "no-brainer", shrugging off recent criticism about his age hindering a comeback.
During a New York press conference to hype his upcoming match against YouTuber-turned-boxer
Jake Paul
, Tyson acknowledged the strain of preparing for his return.
"I'm doing great but my body is shit right now, I'm sore, I'm really sore," said Tyson.
Tyson will face Paul on July 20 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Yet, the pugilist who once struck fear into the heavyweight realm during the 1980s and 1990s, branding himself as the "baddest man on the planet," remained resolute in his decision to don his gloves once more, nearly two decades following his retirement from professional
boxing
in 2005.
"It was a no-brainer," said Tyson. "He's a new up-and-coming guy on the scene. And I like shaking the sports world to its core and I am doing it now. It's just something that I want to do."
Tyson, who turns 58 this June, will face off against the 27-year-old Paul in a professional match featuring eight two-minute rounds, officially approved by boxing authorities in Texas.
Despite reservations voiced by several figures within the boxing community, including former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, who expressed worries about Tyson's safety, the veteran boxer shrugged off doubters when questioned about it on Monday.
(Mike Tyson, left, and Jake Paul - AFP Photo)
"I'm beautiful, that's all I can say," Tyson said. "The people who said that wish that they were up here. No one else can do this."
Meanwhile, Paul stated that he is prepared to contend with Tyson's seasoned expertise and formidable strength.
"A lot of people are doubting me," Paul said. "I see the comments, saying, 'if Jake wins this fight it's rigged' because of how incredible he looks. Age doesn't matter.
"He's a killer. He's a warrior. He's been doing this his whole life, so it's second nature to him. I've only been doing this for four years and at a super high level.
"On July 20, I'm going to show the world that I can outbox Mike Tyson and prove everyone wrong, and show that I'm going to be the one doing the killing."
Tyson expressed no animosity towards his significantly younger opponent.
"I really like Jake a lot. But once he's in that ring, he has to fight like his life is depending on it, because it will be," Tyson quipped.
The former heavyweight icon went as far as declining to dismiss the possibility of additional fights in the future.
"Maybe we'll do it again," Tyson said. "But can I take care of Jake first, please?"
(With AFP inputs)
English (US) ·