YouTube star Jake Paul has fiercely defended his decision to fight 58-year-old Mike Tyson despite their significant age difference.
Paul stunned the sports world earlier this year by announcing Tyson as his next opponent. The 27-year-old faced intensified backlash when the fight was postponed due to Tyson’s mid-air medical emergency, pushing the bout to November 15.
Paul’s long-time rival, KSI, has been among the most vocal critics, calling the fight “stupid” and accusing Paul of targeting an “OAP” (old age pensioner). KSI dismissed Tyson as a fighter “who can barely walk” and criticized the fight as a ploy to exploit an easy target.
In response to the criticism, Paul told talkSPORT MMA’s Gareth A. Davies at a PFL press conference, “I think it’s disrespectful to Mike. If Mike wants to fight, then he wants to fight. If he wants it to be a pro fight, then ‘Okay!’”
Paul emphasized his respect for Tyson, saying, “It’s an honour to be in the ring with him. People can criticize all they want, but they’ll still watch.”
Despite Tyson’s last professional fight being a loss to Kevin McBride in 2005, Paul believes Tyson remains a formidable opponent. “You look at his training videos, he still looks menacing,” Paul said. “He has a 30lb weight advantage and is giant strong.”
Paul concluded by noting the generational divide in interest, saying, “Older fans want Tyson to win, while younger ones support me. That’s what makes this fight so intriguing.”
