Jake Paul is reportedly negotiating advanced talks with boxing legend Mike Tyson for an exhibition bout in Las Vegas, despite a 30-year age difference between the two fighters.
Tyson, a former heavyweight champion, made a 2020 comeback after 15 years out of professional boxing in a one-round exhibition with Roy Jones Jr. in Los Angeles that ended in a draw.
The former champ is now seeking another bout in a pay-per-view matchup with Paul, whose once gimmicky introduction into the sport has quickly led to a respectable 5-0 boxing record.
“Mike and Jake are on board for an exhibition bout in Las Vegas,” a source reported, according to The Sun.
“A verbal deal has been struck to get it on, but like all forms of sports business, now it’s all about the contracts and money split. Mike is looking for a certain figure to get into the ring with a profit share guarantee.”
“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,” the report added.
Paul most recently surprised the boxing world with a sixth-round knockout in a bout with ex-UFC champion Tyron Woodley in December.
WHAT A SHOT. @jakepaul KOs Woodley in round 6 😳#PaulWoodley pic.twitter.com/oTV3xeNtfg
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) December 19, 2021
The fight followed an April matchup Paul won in a split decision.
Earlier in January, Paul was selected as Sports Illustrated’s “2021 Breakout Boxer of the Year.”
“Just five fights into his professional boxing career, the 24-year-old lightning rod has elevated the sport while skipping its outdated ladder to success,” Sports Illustrated noted.
“Jake Paul raked in a combined $40 MILLION from his three boxing victories in 2021, per @Forbes,” Sports Illustrated tweeted.
Jake Paul raked in a combined $40 MILLION from his three boxing victories in 2021, per @Forbes 💰💰
Pretty good for a YouTube star who turns 25 next week 🥊: https://t.co/McuM7MEVOq pic.twitter.com/i3O7aUdkLb
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) January 15, 2022
Paul shared a lengthy statement on social media in response to the honor, thanking his team and fans for making the achievement possible.
Some reflection after winning “Breakout Boxer of The Year”
Thanks @SInow pic.twitter.com/TxFgPhB8aP
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) January 5, 2022
“Wow. I got into boxing because I needed a new calling in life and in the process I fell in love with this amazing sport and decided to dedicate my life to it,” Paul said.
“People have doubted me my whole life. It’s nothing new,” he added.
Paul and Tyson shared time together during a “Hot Boxin’” podcast in which Tyson interviewed Jake in 2021.
The announcement of the potential historic matchup also comes on January 17, Paul’s 25th birthday.
The Daily Wire reported in May regarding Paul’s popularity:
In three professional fights, Paul has scored knockout victories over fellow YouTuber “Gib,” former NBA player Nate Robinson, and most recently, former UFC fighter Ben Askren — who, admittedly, came into the match with minimal boxing experience.
Now, Paul has his mind on bigger names, calling out current UFC fighters, among others.
According to White, such a decision would be unwise on Paul’s part.
“The kid’s making money. Can he fight? I doubt it,” White told Candace. “If you look at what he’s done, this isn’t going to last long, but he’s going to make some money. It’s an absolute gimmick.”
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Source: Dailywire
