Mike Tyson returns to the ring against Jake Paul this November, just shy of 20 years after his last professional contest.
‘Iron’ Mike hung up the gloves in 2005 after two back-to-back losses capped off a record-breaking and thrilling heavyweight campaign. Those two decades of inactivity will be tested against YouTuber-turned-fighter Paul, 27, who has amassed a record of 10-1 in the sport with the majority of his wins coming over retired MMA fighters.
One of those was Anderson Silva, whom Paul beat over the eight-round distance in his sixth fight. Silva was 47 at the time. In an interview with the MMA Hour, the former UFC Middleweight Champion remained extremely respectful towards Paul and his efforts in the sport.
“Why the people don’t respect this kid? The people need to respect, because the guy is made good success in his own job. The people who don’t have the courage to do the same start to talk bulls**t. I respect him a lot because the kid changed the whole game in this era. I’m so happy because I’m part of that, it doesn’t matter the result.”
Asked specifically about the Tyson bout, the MMA legend dismissed any worries and said that it leant more towards entertainment than high-level competition – something both fighters have attempted to distance themselves from.
“I mean, that’s so interesting. A lot of people say oh Mike Tyson’s old – it doesn’t matter. It’s a different game, it’s a different sport. It’s entertaining. It’s not the same when you see Canelo and the other different level boxing guys. Mike Tyson doesn’t need to prove nothing to anybody. I believe Jake doesn’t need to prove nothing for anybody. It’s entertainment. That’s what people need to understand.”
