Jake Paul reveals his ‘numb’ reaction to Mike Tyson’s withdrawal from boxing

Jake Paul said he felt “numb” when Mike Tyson pulled out of their fight earlier this year before the bout was rearranged.

YouTube star Paul has gone 10-1 as a professional boxer in recent years, and his next challenge comes against Tyson, considered one of the greatest heavyweight champions in the history of the sport.

Paul, 27, and Tyson were due to fight each other in July but the 58-year-old pulled out after suffering health problems in May. “Iron Mike” suffered an ulcer attack during a flight and the fight was postponed until November 15th.

As the fight looms, Netflix has produced a documentary surrounding the controversial contest, which the streaming platform will air live next week.

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“When I got the news that he was out and couldn’t fight, I just froze,” Paul said in the documentary. Countdown: Paul vs. Tyson.

“I was like, ‘Damn…’ I’m the type of person that likes a schedule and likes to know what I’m doing. That just threw a spanner in the works. There was nothing I could do, it was out of my control.

“No one can tell Mike Tyson what to do and if he wants to fight me, of course I will say yes. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fight one of the two most famous boxers of all time – Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson.

“I consider Mike Tyson a killer, so I never really expected anything like this.”

Tyson last fought professionally in 2005, although he did not box Roy Jones Jr. in an exhibition fight until 2020.

His clash with Paul will be a sanctioned professional bout, scheduled for eight two-minute rounds with knockouts allowed. The competition will take place at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas.

When Tyson pulled out of the July fight date, Paul took on Mike Perry – a bare knuckle boxer and former UFC fighter. Paul won by knockout in the sixth round.

Many of Paul’s fights were against former UFC fighters, including Perry, Nate Diaz, Ben Askren and former champions Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley. He beat Diaz and Silva on points, knocked out Askren and defeated Woodley twice – by decision, then by knockout.

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Paul’s only defeat came in early 2023 against Tommy Fury – half-brother of heavyweight Tyson Fury. Tommy, an influencer and boxer, won by decision.

Paul has two victories over professional boxers, although they are lesser known fighters: Ryan Bourland and Andre August, both of whom Paul has knocked out in the last 12 months.