Mike Tyson Reveals Real Reason He Didn’t Try to Intimidate Jake Paul During First Face Off

It’s two months that separate fans from one of the most-anticipated matches of recent times. To keep pace with the hype, the lead-up to the Mike Tyson and Jake Paul fight offers a stream of activities and events. Getting the show on the road, fans saw the kick-off press conference take place at New York’s Apollo Theater yesterday. Ever since the announcement came, the face-off between one of history’s deadliest knockout experts and a YouTuber-turned-boxer has dominated discussions across forums.

Many have raised concerns because of the age gap between the two. However, both the fight and the fighters seem undeterred. It’s now a sanctioned professional fight with specific rules. The square-up offers all the dramatics that one could associate with trash-talking prime ‘Iron’ Mike, and now often sees his young opponent taking it to the next level. However, unlike the head-butting fracas that occurred in Riyadh thanks to John Fury, the one in New York appeared much tamed. Instead, the former heavyweight champion and ‘The Problem Child’ rather parted ways after shaking hands. So why didn’t the former give his famous stare down to intimidate the Ohioan?

Reporter becomes a bundle of nerves

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) shared a clip featuring Mike Tyson in conversation with a reporter. By her own admission, the latter seemingly got nervous and addressed the youngest heavyweight champion as ‘Mike Paul’. “No, you’re about to face off with Mike Paul….” she said. Then soon she made corrections: “I looked you right in the eyes, and I got nervous. You’re about to face off with Jake Paul. Do you anticipate him trying to intimidate you up there?”

“Not at all; I don’t anticipate that at all. No, I think that he’s making me laugh,” replied Mike Tyson. She pointed out that he had a good sense of humor. Tyson acknowledged that Jake Paul shares the talent as well. However, the reporter seemed curious to know what frightened him. In the past, he had often remarked that bouts like the one he was going to have against Paul used to frighten him out of his wits.

‘Iron’ Mike replied, “You know, just the act of fighting. This is something people avoid their whole lives. I do it for a living. But you know, as you get closer, the less nervous I get, though.” The fight is co-headlined by the rematch between Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor. The two world champions marked their presence at the press conference and faced each other.

Jake Paul speculated on his chances during the press conference. He said that the fight has a 50% chance of going either way. While the old-school boxing supporters might be rooting for ‘Iron’ Mike to finish him off for good, the Ohioan counted on the support he received from countless youngsters.

High Points: Kick-Off Press Conference

“For sure, I think it’s 50-50. You know I I truly believe that there’s a lot of people who you know see me as an arrogant *** I can’t sometimes, but I’m just having fun and entertaining the world, and I do think that the older generation wants people to see Mike knock me out, but at the end of the day, I also have the kids, the middle schoolers, the high schoolers, and the college students rooting for me and want to see me end Mike,” said ‘The Problem Child.’

Earlier, Mike Tyson also revealed how he felt sore because of the training and adjustments he and his team had to incorporate. He revealed that though his goal is not to put an end to Paul’s career, the fact remains that once the latter is inside the ring, he will have to fight as if his life is on the line.

One of the highlights of the press conference occurred when a person claiming to be working for Jake Paul addressed Mike Tyson. They loudly proclaimed that the former heavyweight champion would knockout ‘The Problem Child’. The exchange soon got everyone talking amidst loud cheers. Soon, Jake Paul jumped in and told the person in jest that they would be fired. The person continued and asked Tyson when he would wind up Paul’s journey. “Hey, come to the fight, hope you could afford a ticket,” came the reply from the former heavyweight champion, and soon the venue reverberated with laughter.

The faces-off saw both staring at each other. Then, with a smile on his face, ‘Iron’ Mike punched lightly on Jake Paul’s stomach. Reciprocating, the latter pushed him casually.

What’s your take on the fight? Do you think going against a great like Mike Tyson, Jake Paul would finally get to see where his skills stand?