Mike Perry recently voiced his apprehension about inciting fan outrage if he were to pursue a future boxing match against the legendary, yet much older, Mike Tyson.
Perry is currently slated to fight Jake Paul on July 20 in an eight-round cruiserweight bout at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
This matchup was announced after Paul’s planned fight against “Iron Mike” on the same date was pushed to November 15 due to the former undisputed heavyweight champion’s health scare.
Tyson experienced an ulcer flare-up during a flight in May, leaving him nauseous and in need of medical attention. Although his team initially claimed he had fully recovered, subsequent medical examinations revealed that the 58-year-old boxing legend was not fit to compete in July.
The upcoming bout against Paul presents a tremendous opportunity for “Platinum” to elevate his profile on a grander stage. Already thriving as a bare-knuckle fighter, Perry is the biggest star in BKFC, boasting impressive victories over notable opponents like Michael Page, Luke Rockhold, and Eddie Alvarez.
Despite securing the fight due to unexpected circumstances, Perry is eager to compete against Tyson if he secures a win against the YouTuber-turned-boxer on July 20.
However, the former UFC welterweight fighter is cautious of potential public outcry, as many might disapprove of the matchup due to the significant age difference…
Perry Eyes Tyson Fight But Hesitant About Public Reaction
During a recent ESPN MMA interview, Perry was asked if he would consider fighting Tyson next, should he defeat “The Problem Child” and take his spotlight on November 15. “Platinum” eagerly affirmed his desire to face the boxing icon.
“Yes, absolutely. Of course, man, I’m thinking about that. I would definitely do it.”
However, the 32-year-old Michigan native acknowledged that facing Tyson would be the biggest matchup of his career, and he doesn’t want to provoke public backlash unnecessarily. For now, he is concentrating solely on his fight with Paul.
“The comments can be negative already, anyway, so now they’re going to say, ‘Oh, now you’re gonna fight the old guy.’ The internet is undefeated. That’s the one fight I don’t want to have is Mike Perry vs. the internet because I could be the guy to beat the internet, bro. Fighting Mike Tyson would be obviously be cool but I’m just focused on July 20, man. I gotta have tunnel vision, this is my opportunity to show the world.”
When Paul vs. Tyson was first announced, the MMA community raised alarm bells over the staggering 31-year age gap between the fighters, a difference that would set a new record in professional boxing history.
“Iron Mike” hasn’t fought professionally since retiring during his bout against Kevin McBride in June 2005. However, Tyson made a comeback in November 2020, stepping into the squared circle for an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr., which ended in a draw.
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