via Getty
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – FEBRUARY 26: Former Boxer Mike Tyson looks on prior to the Cruiserweight Title fight between Jake Paul and Tommy Fury at the Diriyah Arena on February 26, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
via Getty
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – FEBRUARY 26: Former Boxer Mike Tyson looks on prior to the Cruiserweight Title fight between Jake Paul and Tommy Fury at the Diriyah Arena on February 26, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Boxing legend Mike Tyson isn’t known for fear. But believe it or not, he admitted to being “scared” before his fight with Roy Jones Jr. Is that the same fear Tyson has for his upcoming clash with YouTuber-turned-fighter Jake Paul? The much-hyped fight is set for July 20th in Arlington, Texas, at the AT&T Stadium in front of tens of thousands of spectators.
Will Tyson’s fear turn into fighting spirit, or will Jake Paul pull off a major upset? Enter Roy Jones Jr., Tyson’s former opponent, from their 2020 exhibition match, who offers insight. Jones explains the nature of Tyson’s fear, suggesting it’s more about anticipation than actual dread. Could this fear be Tyson’s secret weapon, or is it a vulnerability Paul could exploit?
Whatever Mike Tyson is afraid to do, he does it
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The interviewer, of Fox News posed a thought-provoking question to Roy Jones Jr.: “So Roy, Mike Tyson was on with Hannity last night. He mentioned his fight with you, but he also said something surprising about being afraid. Take a listen to this.” This introduction set the stage for Tyson’s own words to resonate profoundly.
Fire’s in the house#PaulTyson pic.twitter.com/zAXIUNyxEU
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) March 16, 2024
“Whatever I am afraid to do, I do it, and that’s how it is. I was afraid for the Roy fight. I was scared to fight him. I was a 100 pounds overweight. I was, however, old, 54, 53, and I said let’s do it. Anything I am afraid of, I confront it, and that’s my personality. Like right now, I am scared to death. But as the fight gets closer, the less nervous I become. Because it’s reality and in reality, I am invincible,” Tyson revealed. Seamlessly, the conversation shifted from a simple query to a profound admission, unveiling a side of Tyson, often masked by his fearsome reputation.
Read more: Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul: Texas Commission Yet to Confirm Pro, Exhibition, or Special Rules Fight
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What did Roy Jones Jr. think of that?
Tyson isn’t afraid, says Roy Jones Jr.!
Following Tyson’s unexpected disclosure, the interviewer shifted focus, seeking Jones Jr.’s perspective on this revelation. “What do you think about that? He said he was afraid to fight you. He’s afraid to fight Jake Paul. I don’t think many people tie Mike Tyson’s name to the feeling of fear,” the interviewer inquired, prompting a deeper exploration into the nature of fear in boxing.
Roy Jones Jr. responded with understanding and clarity, “Here’s the thing. It’s not that he’s afraid. That’s not what he really means. He’s saying it that way, but that’s not what that is. What that is, anytime a fight is announced, you become fearful of the unknown. You become fearful of what could happen. That happens right away. But like he said, as those days get closer, we become immune to that feeling. Now, it’s like, can you please hurry up and get him in front of me, so I can show you all that that’s not gonna happen. So that’s just what a boxer goes through.”
He added, “That’s the difference to me in the old school boxers and new school boxers. Old school boxers were not afraid to mention or accept the fact… But as the fight gets closer, preparation runs that fear away.” Tyson’s candid admission, coupled with Jones’s insightful interpretation, highlights a profound truth about boxing: facing one’s fears is not a sign of weakness but a testament to strength.
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Also Read: “Scared to Death”: Mike Tyson Dismisses Rumored Rules for Jake Paul Fight
Will Tyson’s approach to confronting his fears head-on give him an edge, or will it open a window of opportunity for Paul?
