Jake Paul has sensationally claimed that he hits harder than Mike Tyson ahead of their upcoming clash.

‘Iron Mike’ is widely considered to be one of the heaviest-handed boxers of all time.

During a 56-fight (50-6) professional career stretching back to 1985, Tyson ended 44 of his 50 victories inside the distance – including 24 in the opening round.

As he gears up to return to the ring against Paul on July 20 at the advanced age of 58, most boxing pundits feel Tyson’s best chance of victory is via knockout, given that power is the last thing to go.

However, Paul doesn’t seem particularly concerned about the chances of that happening.

Asked if he can take Tyson’s power during the launch press conference for the fight on Monday, Paul replied: “I know I will be able to.

“I’m a natural born heavyweight, this is what I was born to do: move up into this weight class and show Mike who has more power because he is underestimating me and I believe I hit harder.

“I know it’s going to be tough, I know I’m going to have to fight through adversity, I know I might even go to the canvas, I’m scared don’t get me wrong.

“But it’s not about the fear stopping me, it’s about going into it even though I am scared – that is what true bravery is.”

“We’re going to see,” Tyson responded when asked the same question.

Paul and Tyson are set to square off in a highly-controversial bout on July 20 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, live on Netflix.

Despite the staggering 31-year age gap between the pair, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation have sanctioned it as a professional heavyweight bout.

The last time Tyson boxed in the paid ranks was all the way back in June 2005 when he retired on his stool at the end of the sixth round against Kevin McBride.

In stark contrast, Paul has been actively competing as a pro boxer for the past four years and has ten (9-1) pro bouts to his name.

“People are doubting me,” Paul added during the press conference.

“I go onto the Instagram comments, and I see them all saying that if Jake Paul wins this fight it’s rigged because of how incredible he looks.

“Age doesn’t matter. Age is just a number. He’s a killer, he’s a warrior.

“He’s been doing this his entire life so it’s second nature to him. I’ve been doing this for four years and I’ve been doing it at a super high level.

“On July 20th I’m going to show the world that I can Mike Tyson, prove everyone wrong, and show that I will be the one doing the killing.”