Mike Tyson makes it loud and clear that he’s boxing Jake Paul for nobody but himself.
At 58 years old, the former heavyweight champion says he isn’t in it for the money or the fame, but for the love of the fight game. Tyson hasn’t fought as a pro since a decision loss to Kevin McBride in 2005 but that wouldn’t stop him nor the Texas commission from fighting once more decades later against an influencer-turned-boxer in Paul this upcoming Fall.
Set to go to war on Nov. 15 after withdrawing from a summer showdown due to a stomach ulcer, Tyson has received a decent amount of support from the fans but also much backlash for fighting again as he’s nearing 60 years old across from a faster, younger Paul, who’s only getting better at 27 years old.
Tyson Details Just Why He’s Fighting Again At 58 Years Of Age
The last we saw of Tyson was in an exhibition match against fellow veteran Roy Jones Jr. in 2020 with “Iron” Mike making it the distance against the 51 year-old, showing a shell of his former self.
“I have no idea,” Tyson told FOX40 News’ Sean Cunningham, when asked if the Jones fight is a good sample size of what’s to come on Nov. 15. “I’m just looking forward to this. This is something that I would say ignites me. It just gives me a life for myself. It’s life within myself. It’s just me doing what I wanna do.
“Forget everybody else. Forget if they wish I’d lose, win, or… it’s about me doing what I wanna do,” Tyson added. “Forget what my wife and kids are, like, thinking about just this one moment, just stick with me and don’t feel sorry for me. Don’t worry about me. That’s all.”
Tyson Isn’t Fighting For Family Necessarily: ‘Is That My Ego?’
Known as one of the most ferocious fighters in the history of not just boxing, but combat sports in general, Tyson has settled down, raising a family in his long time away from the ring.
Tyson was asked by longtime friend (and candidate for Stockton Mayor) Tom Patti if this fight against Paul felt any different from past bouts, considering the 58 year-old now has his loved ones in his corner at this point of his career.
“It has nothing to do with my kids. It’s all about me,” Tyson answered. “Nothing to do [with them]. And sometimes I wonder, is that bad? Is that my ego, where it’s just to hell with everybody, I don’t care [that] my health is risked or anything, it’s just who I am. They knew I was that way before they married me. They knew I was that way when I had them and then when they were kids, and I’m just gonna always be there. I’m always gonna test myself. I’m always gonna push the envelope.
“I’m always very nervous and apprehensive until it gets closer to the fight. Then, I understand this is reality. I’ve been through this many of times, and I know how to handle this situation,” Tyson said of his upcoming fight against Paul.
Ego or not, Mike Tyson has his passion for fighting reinvigorated and we’ll see if the legendary boxer can pull off the upset of the century when he steps into the ring with Jake Paul on Nov. 15 in Arlington, Texas..
