Mike Tyson will fight Jake Paul in a boxing match in Arlington, Texas on July 20.
Mike Tyson has sent an ominous warning to Jake Paul while naming one fight which gave him “chills” as a spectator.
Tyson, 57, is currently preparing to face Paul, 27, in a shock comeback fight later this year.
The pair will meet on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The fight has divided opinion among fans, with some delighted to see Tyson make his return to professional boxing, and others questioning the safety of the bout.
Tyson has hit back at his critics, claiming they are merely “jealous” of him and Paul.
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He told Reuters (via The Mirror): “I’m 58 and what? I’m getting billions of views from just talking to somebody about fighting. Everybody, even most of the athletes, they’re jealous, that’s whack.
“I say in your prime you couldn’t draw a million people, man. What are you talking, you couldn’t sell out arena. Who at 58 could sell out an 80,000-seat arena?
“Why you think he wants to fight me and not anybody else? Everybody wants to fight him, all the boxers want to fight him. But if he fought them the only people that will come are the people that like him.
“The other guys, their parents might not even come watch them. That’s just keeping it real. They’re too boring for their children to watch, it’s like watching grass grow.”
Despite aiming that dig at current boxers, Tyson has expressed his admiration for two heavyweights of the modern era.
Taking to Snapchat, Tyson posted an image of Tyson Fury’s controversial points win over Francis Ngannou from October alongside the caption: “Watching this give me chills. So many memories.
Mike Tyson faces Jake Paul on July 20 (Image: Getty)
“The ring was not just a battle ground but also a stage where I could showcase my indomitable spirit, resilience and determination.”
Tyson will hope to display all those three traits in full when he faces Paul later this summer.
It is yet to be confirmed if the fight will be fully professional, a non-judged fight with pro rules or an exhibition bout.
Nevertheless, the bookies have installed Paul as an early favourite to win, should the fight be judged.
The ‘Problem Child’ is currently 5/6 favourite to win the fight, with Tyson the slight underdog at 6/4 according to odds provided by OddsChecker.
