Jake Paul has revealed he chose to fight Mike Tyson for his legacy despite their 31-year age gap.
The YouTube star announced that he will touch gloves with the heavyweight icon on July 20 at the AT&T Stadium in Texas.
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Paul vs Tyson has been made official for this summerCredit: Netflix
It is expected to be a mammoth event, with 80,000 fans set to pack into the stadium alongside many watching around the world on streaming service Netflix.
Tyson will be 58 years old when he steps into the ring for their summer showdown, and fans have been concerned after footage showed him using a walking stick.
The boxing world also displayed worry online, after footage emerged of Tyson punching the heavy bag in training ahead of the bout.
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Many options could have been on the table for Paul including a rematch with Tommy Fury or an all-influencer battle with KSI.
But Paul has revealed that he could not turn down this opportunity, as he believes it could become a history-making event.
He said on a YouTube video: “In all seriousness Mike, it is such an honour and I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to step in the ring with one of the two most famous people to step in the boxing ring.
“Not only will this be the biggest fight of my life, but I think this has the opportunity to change the history of boxing, and be one of the biggest events of the 21st century.
“It is the biggest moment of my career and the biggest challenge.
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Jake Paul discussed the event in a promotional video
“Everyone has said, ‘Don’t get in the ring with Mike he is too hard of a puncher.’
“That man is a beast, but I am not taking him lightly. July 20, I am hoping to make history and knock out Mike Tyson.”
Fans suggest Mike Tyson could be ‘in trouble’ as new training footage emerges ahead of fight against Jake Paul on 20th July
Paul will be 27 when he laces up his gloves again, and could be a danger to Tyson despite their disparity in boxing experience.
Tyson retired in 2005 having conquered all in the sport including becoming the youngest ever heavyweight champion at 20 years old.
But he is far from his glory days in the sport, and has suffered from medical conditions during his time out of the ring.
‘Iron Mike’ has already fought since retiring in an exhibition with Roy Jones Jr in November 2020, an event which ended without a final result.
But indications have suggested that Paul and Tyson could meet in a sanctioned professional bout, which will place further spotlight on health risks to the American legend.
