Mike TysonThe former undisputed heavyweight champion who once dominated the boxing world believes he is better today than he was two decades ago.
As he prepares for a highly anticipated fight against YouTube sensation boxer Jake Paul, Tyson, now 58, has expressed confidence in his abilities despite his fans
Concerns about his age and health
.
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Mike Tyson notes lifestyle changes ahead of Jake Paul fight
The boxing legend is confident he is ready
Tyson's willingness to fight has sparked both excitement and concern as Paul, at 26, is more than 30 years his junior. Despite the age difference, Tyson has reassured fans that he is in great shape and mentally prepared, having overcome a history of substance abuse that marred the later years of his boxing career.
In an interview with Manouk Akopyan, Tyson emphasized his newfound clarity and resilience: “I used drugs and alcohol at the time. I'm not that person anymore. I see a better picture of myself now… I see the world from a different perspective.”
Tyson retired in 2005 after a loss to Kevin McBride, ending a tumultuous career marked by both in-ring triumphs and personal struggles.
After nearly 15 years away from the ring, he returned in 2020 for an exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr., showcasing his enduring power and skill. Now Tyson will return to the professional boxing scene in one of the biggest combat sports events of the year to take on Paul in an eight-round bout this Friday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Mike Tyson's controversial career has come full circle
Tyson wants another fight after Paul
Tyson's life outside the ring was
marked by fights and controversies,
including a rape conviction in 1992 that resulted in a three-year prison sentence. In 2006, he was arrested for driving under the influence and entered rehab in 2007. However, now Tyson says he is clean and focused and has no intention of letting his past demons get in the way of his current ambitions.
The fight, originally scheduled for this summer, was postponed after Tyson suffered a medical emergency during the flight. Tyson and his team insist he is fit for Friday's clash, citing a rigorous training program that has included sparring sessions with younger fighters. “I feel great,” Tyson said. “I have the ammunition in me… I fight young people, 30- to 20-year-olds, and they hit me really hard. When I started training, it wasn't a walk in the park. Now I’m doing my part.”
The match will be broadcast live on Netflix and is attracting a lot of attention from fans and media alike. As he approached the fight, Tyson hinted that this might not be a one-off return. “The sky’s the limit,” he remarked. “We'll see. I’m interested in doing it again.”
When the ring is finished, the world will soon see whether Tyson's confidence in his new strength can withstand the young and hungry Paul.
