Concern, amusement, and embarrassment—these are just a few of the emotions that have surrounded the Mike Tyson–Jake Paul fight for some time now. Concerns, because many worry about an aging boxing icon who only recently recovered from a medical scare. Amusement—at the matchup—a 58-year-old former heavyweight champion squaring up against a 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer. Yet, there’s another sentiment lurking not far behind: doubt.

Time and again voices have emerged suggesting the Tyson-Paul clash may not be exactly what it appears to be—a legitimate bout. Much of the discourse centers on the likelihood of a Jake Paul victory. Needless to say, that’s not a narrative Paul is keen to hear. Having dedicated so much effort to crossover boxing, he finds the criticism hard to accept. In the first face-to-face with Mike Tyson, Paul shared his insights on the contentious matter.

Jake Paul: It doesn’t get to me anymore

The Cleveland-born fighter’s rebuttal came some five minutes after the show started. Initially, the duo dwelled over the reasons for taking up the fight. Notwithstanding the allure of a victory, for the boxing great, it was all about doing his bit for the sport. For Paul, it was about going against a sporting icon he always looked up to.

The host wanted to know Mike Tyson’s views about Jake Paul as a fighter. The legend said, “Hey listen, um, he’s been successful in all those Pro fights except one, and um, that’s why we’re fighting.” Jake Paul stressed that during the last four years since he began fighting professionally, he had learned a lot. “So just in terms of how much I’ve learned and grown, I’m the fastest-growing and learning boxer in the sport, and that’s what I rate myself off,” he said.

He further added on continuing to disrupt the standard narrative and shock everyone. However, despite that, many often ‘chalked up’ his achievements negatively. “I have big plans, and I’m continuing to again do the impossible and show people what I’m capable of, and they chalk up what I’ve done to fights being rigged,” Jake Paul explained.

After watching Mike Tyson’s training clips, many would still throw shades that the fight had been ‘rigged’, if he won. Initially, the comments used to trouble him a lot. However, his mindset eventually changed, wherein he started looking at those negative remarks differently. “Because the human peon brain of the 99% can’t even comprehend can’t even get it how good I’ve gotten and what I’m accomplishing in this world.” Jake Paul reasoned.

Perhaps, given the nature of the matchup, it’s understandable that such interpretations might arise.

What the fight means for Jake Paul and Mike Tyson

Earlier, citing the last professional bout against Kevin McBride, the host wanted to know ‘Iron’ Mike’s thoughts as critics pointed that his boxing skills had diminished. But the former heavyweight champion dismissed the narrative. Things had changed. Jake Paul also took a turn to take a jab at the skeptics.

The host wanted to know the fight’s impact on the sport. “There are 700 million people watching on Netflix, and the impact this will have on the sport is unfathomable, and it’s intangible,” replied Jake Paul. The next poser was interesting. To Mike Tyson: “What does it say about Mike Tyson if he knocks out a 27-year-old Jake Paul?” For the former heavyweight champion, it will be a ‘big’ achievement. It’s not a 27-year-old Tyson stepping into the ring.

The question was promptly reversed for ‘The Problem Child’. “When it happens, it’s going to be a little bittersweet because I have love for him, but at the current moment we’re meant to go to war,” he replied.

The probe made Jake Paul walk back to the time when he began his career in entertainment. Boxing took his name and fame to all-together new heights. With the November 15 fight, he aims to tell the world who he really is.

What is your take? Do you agree with Jake Paul’s response to the rigging issue?