Fans have refuted Jake Paul’s assertion that Mike Tyson’s outstanding training video was shot only two weeks ago in preparation for their incredible July match.
Mike Tyson made a grand announcement on Thursday, revealing that he would face Jake Paul in a much-anticipated bout in Dallas, Texas. It will take place on July 20. Adding to the excitement, the match is scheduled to be broadcast live on Netflix.
The two-time heavyweight champion retired in 2005. He is now poised for a sensational comeback at the colossal AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This unexpected return has surprised the boxing community.
As part of the buildup before the match, Jake Paul shared a video showcasing Tyson’s training and claimed it was captured merely ‘two weeks ago.’
In his social media post, Paul stated: “He’s the greatest heavyweight of all time…the most vicious KO artist ever. But I’m younger, I’m faster and I’m going to be working my ass off to get stronger. A member of my team sent me this video that Mike’s coach put up two weeks ago and asked me if I’m sure that I want to do this…yes, yes I do. Heavyweight.”
However, Paul’s post on X (formerly known as Twitter) faced immediate scrutiny from the community. A community note promptly corrected the timeline, revealing that the footage was from four years ago.
Shortly thereafter, another account on the platform confirmed the outdated nature of the video and even shared an old clip of Tyson discussing the training on the Joe Rogan Podcast.
In the old episode, Tyson revealed: “You want me to tell you something about that video? I did that video and I was in bed for a week. That was 30 seconds and I was in bed for a week. And it’s not funny because it made me realise that this is big boy s***, okay?.”
The revelation of the Tyson-Paul match left fellow boxers and promoters surprised, with Matchroom chief Eddie Hearn expressing mixed sentiments.
He said: “For me it’s really sad because Mike Tyson was one of my idols growing up, and to see him fighting at 57, 58… but I also understand that a lot of people are going to tune in and watch. It’s an entertainment event, Netflix, great to see them involved in boxing. I think it will do really well. But it’s just not really one for me.”
Jake Paul is 30 years younger than Tyson, and has been actively competing in recent years. He has amassed a record of nine wins and only one defeat against Tommy Fury.
While Tyson engaged in an exhibition bout with fellow boxing icon Roy Jones Jr in 2020, he has not participated in a competitive match in almost two decades.