Mike Tyson is preparing for his November 15 bout against YouTuber and fighter Jake Paul. During a September 13 Cage Wars event, the 58-year-old former heavyweight champion admitted that his training had been “a little shaky” as reported by USA Today.
“It’s difficult to walk right now,” Tyson admitted, before underlining that he’ll eventually get out of the woods. “But two months from now I’ll be perfect,” he said.
Tyson had to reschedule his fight with Paul due to an ulcer flare-up in May. During the Cage Wars event, Tyson, who stated that he has been training three to four times each day, shared details on his preparation while commentating.
The Cage Wars event began earlier than expected, forcing one announcer to question Tyson’s preparation routine.
“Is that so you can get a good night’s sleep and wake up early tomorrow morning to begin training for Jake Paul?” the announcer said. “We are trying to get you out of here a little early tonight?”
However, Tyson stated that this was not the case. “No, I’m going to enjoy my time here tonight with all my childhood friends, and the hell with Jake Paul,” the man replied.
According to USA Today, the great boxer recently sparred for six rounds. He will eventually have a ten-round sparring session at some point in his training.
“The fight is won in the gym,” Tyson stated, explaining that he uses electric stimulation and stem cells to heal. “Listen, I’ll do anything that will help me,” he explained.
As previously reported, the battle will take place in Texas and has been formally sanctioned as a professional event.The outcome of the battle will affect Tyson and Paul’s records, as reported by the BBC.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation approved the fight as a professional event with “certain waivers” after reviewing Tyson and Paul’s records and medical histories. The agency oversees combat sports in the state.
“The safety of the contestants competing in the ring or the octagon is always the primary concern,” a TDLR spokesperson said. However, the struggle is subject to certain restrictions. It cannot go beyond eight rounds, each lasting two minutes. Tyson and Paul are also required to use 14oz gloves rather than 10oz.
Tyson’s professional career ended in 2005, and he hasn’t fought since a 2020 exhibition draw with Roy Jones Jr. Paul has won nine of his ten boxing matches, the most of which have been against former UFC fighters. According to the BBC, his only defeat came against British heavyweight Tommy Fury in February of last year.