Boxing legend Mike Tyson is reportedly in advanced negotiations with YouTube star Jake Paul regarding a lucrative exhibition bout which could take place later this year. At 55, Tyson is a staggering 31 years older than Paul, who has broadly exceeded expectations during his short boxing career to date.
With a hotly-anticipated bout against Tommy Fury called off due to the Brit’s last-minute injury, Paul spectacularly knocked out his replacement, ex-MMA fighter Tyron Woodley, in December.
That took his record to five wins without defeat, with defeats of another MMA veteran Ben Askren and former NBA star Nate Robinson also on the 24-year-old’s record.
A prospective fight with Tyson could attract plenty of attention, with the former world heavyweight champion once termed ‘the baddest man on the planet’.
‘Iron Mike’ last fought professionally in 2005, rounding off an otherwise glittering career with two defeats against Danny Williams and Kevin McBride.
But he came back for an exhibition bout against the legendary Roy Jones Jr in 2020, which was ruled a draw.
Tyson is still known as one of the most fearsome knockout artists of any era, with big wins over the likes of Frank Bruno, Michael Spinks and Donovan ‘Razor’ Ruddock on his CV.
It remains to be seen how much of an effect age has had on his punching power, but The Sun claim that talks are at an advanced stage between the Brooklyn-born former heavyweight and Paul.
A fight with the YouTube star’s older brother, Logan, was originally thought to be on the cards – but Jake has arguably made a bigger splash in the boxing world, particularly after his highlight-reel knockout over Woodley last year.
“Jake obviously has that on his mind but is keen to show the world that stepping into the ring with a man once called the baddest man on the planet, takes his boxing career to the next level.
“This fight bridges the gap between old school boxing fans and the new generation of followers.”