Insider Says Jake Paul Risks Bout Cancellation by Trying to “Kill” Mike Tyson in Boxing Ring – “Put in a Death Clause”

The highly controversial matchup between ‘The Problem Child’ and ‘Iron Mike’ is closer than ever and still seemingly garnering flak. Jake Paul is gearing up to face Mike Tyson in a boxing match on July 20, which will serve as Netflix’s first foray into putting together a combat sports event. Meanwhile, former UFC superstar and verbose combat sports analyst Chael Sonnen thinks Paul’s comments are a bit excessive and unnecessary.

In an interview given recently, Paul stated that while he was honored at being able to share the ring with the sporting icon, he declared that it was “war,” promising to “end him,” and declaring that “one of us has to die.” While this is undoubtedly an attempt by the former Disney star to hype up the fight and attract more eyeballs, ‘Uncle Chael’ is not a fan of these strong declarations by Paul. Here is what he discussed about the California native’s statement while pointing out the holes in his reasoning in a video on his official YouTube channel.

Chael Sonnen laughs at The Problem Child’s pretentious claims!

The much-awaited boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul has received official sanctioning from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations and will be held under the Marquee of Queensberry rules, complete with three ringside judges and eight two-minute rounds. Meanwhile, weighing in, the former middleweight title contender laughed at ‘The Problem Child’s comment and felt that that would have been more convincing had the bout been an exhibition and thus not sanctioned by an official body.

“This was a response in lieu of the information that this [Tyson-Paul][ will be sanctioned by the Commission. And Jake said ‘Well, one of us is going to have to die.’ Why does one of you have to die? I don’t want one of you to die, and by the way, if it was unsanctioned, if it was an exhibition where you guys could come up with the rules, maybe you could put in a death clause,” said Sonnen.

“But having a Commission is the exact opposite, nobody’s allowed to die. You cannot kill him… I don’t think they declare you the winner… I think they just cancel the whole thing,” he added.

However, despite taking into cognizance that these pompous claims are merely for marketing, both men are also professionals who are taking the fight quite seriously. While Tyson has abstained from many recreations, and has reportedly been training three times a day, Paul has already bulked up to 240 pounds for going into his self-proclaimed war against Tyson.

And several fight experts have also not refrained from picking sides between the two. While former heavyweight champion, Lennox Lewis showed concern for Paul, stating, “I don’t want [Jake Paul] to get hurt,” Anthony Joshua thinks otherwise. Joshua’s pick was Paul, citing, “[Mike Tyson is] older now. I pray that he comes out healthy. I think Jake Paul because of youth – that’s the only thing.” 

Another imminent boxer, Roy Jones Jr. believes contrary to what Paul has declared- “Mike will kill [Paul].” He also explained that despite the age difference and concerns about form, he is Mike Tyson nonetheless. It is also notable that both Lennox Lewis and Roy Jones Jr. have faced Iron Mike in a ring. While Lewis defeated Tyson in 2002, Jones’ exhibition bout against Tyson in 2020, resulted in a draw.

And while Paul may not have been completely serious when he suggested one of them has to die, Tyson is putting his health in serious trouble by agreeing to fight at such an advanced age.

Mike Tyson warned of potential brain damage ahead of his comeback

While the controversial bout did manage to get sanctioned, there is a significant section of the fanbase who thinks it should not have been sanctioned. Tyson, 57, having hung up his gloves nearly two decades ago, will fight in his first professional boxing match since 2005. In addition, the New Yorker suffers from a range of health issues, going up against the 27-year-old sprightly Paul, who looks to be in his athletic prime.

In addition, according to Nathan Howarth, a director at the Concussion Legacy Foundation UK, Tyson’s advanced age puts him at a much higher risk of sustaining irreversible brain damage if he takes any significant amount of damage. And given the disparity in the two men’s ages and athletic abilities, Tyson is not expected to fare very well. The only chance most are giving the former heavyweight champion is if he can use his superior size and legendary power to get the YouTuber out of the ring early on. But, as with everything in boxing, anything could happen.