Jake Paul has issued a rallying cry after watching Mike Tyson drop a sparring partner in training footage.
The YouTube star will take on experienced 58-year-old veteran heavyweight Tyson in a sanctioned professional bout on November 15.
X – Mike TysonTyson sent his sparring partner crashing through the ropes[/caption]
Despite his age, ‘Iron Mike’ has shown off his trademark thunderous punching power in training footage, as he has progressed through a full camp.
He recently released a video of himself sending a sparring partner to the canvas with a crisp combination, in a bid to intimidate Paul.
But the ‘Problem Child’, although acknowledging his rival’s condition, is still confident in his own condition to deliver next month.
He told Today: “Tyson’s dropping people in sparring. He looks in the best shape and the strongest he’s ever been, his coaches are saying.
“I know on November 15, it’s going to be a war. But I just plan on outboxing him and showing the world what I’m capable of.
“And I will come alive in the moment and knock out one of the best to ever do it.
“A lot of people are wondering ‘Jake, why are you doing this? Even if you beat him, they’re going to say he’s old’.
“But to me, Mike Tyson wanted to fight me. That is an honour. He’s one of the most famous boxers in the world to ever do it.
“To step in there with someone of his nature is an honour and a dream come true. It’s going to be a spectacle.”
Tyson’s left hook against his sparring partner will serve as a warning shot for Paul nonetheless.
Paul was impressed with Tyson but is not convinced it is enough to winGetty
During his professional career, the legend carried a staggering KO win percentage of 88 per cent, and will clearly be a threat despite being far from his physical prime.
There has been concerns over how Tyson will fare along the distance, but Paul will need to be wary in the early exchanges.
The contest will be competed over eight two-minute rounds, a shorter format which could play into the former undisputed champion’s hands.
It will also be contested in 14oz gloves which is one of the conditions to get the pair, who are aged 31 years apart, in the ring in a licensed bout.
But veteran referee Richard Steele insists this will provide no advantage to Paul.
“That’s still a small glove thinking about the power of Mike Tyson,” he told USA Today.
“I don’t see the guy going that distance with Tyson. Because Tyson, he’s so strong and he’s an ex-champion.
“He knows what he’s doing and for two minutes, he can go all out.
“He’s still dangerous. He has so much power.
“I just hope he don’t end up getting hurt or hurt the other guy.”
