Mike Tyson is no gimmick fight and one reporter found that out the hard way during Thursday’s press conference in Dallas, Texas.
As you may know, Tyson is currently booked to return to the boxing ring against YouTube sensation Jake Paul, who has done his best to transition into a professional boxer over the past four years. Despite Paul’s overall lack of experience and suspect resume, fight fans are still outraged over the sanctioned fight because Tyson will be 58 years old when the two meet this July on Netflix.
Tyson is undoubtedly one of the best and most dangerous boxers in the history of the sport, but at some point age trumps experience and skill. That seems to be the case with “Iron Mike” in 2024, but you wouldn’t know it by the training videos the former heavyweight champion keeps releasing in effort to scare Paul before their massive PPV clash.
On Thursday, Tyson and Paul stepped on stage for an official pre-fight press conference. The two fighters talked some trash while answering questions from the media. One reporter spoke with Paul and asked him when he’ll stop participating in “gimmick” fights and compete against a real challenge. That immediately struck a nerve with Tyson, who seemed to snap back into his old, media-hating self (like THIS infamous outburst).
Check it out in the above video player.
“What did you just call me?” asked Tyson as he stared the reporter down.
“I didn’t call you anything,” replied the reporter, who sounded like he was looking down the barrel of a loaded gun.
Tyson maintained eye contact with the media member before sinking back into his seat. Not much was said after that, but it was a brief reminder of how aggressive, emotional, and scary “Iron Mike” can still be.
We’ll have to wait and see if Tyson can channel his old self inside of the ring when he meets Paul on July 20 in Dallas.
For much more on the upcoming “Paul vs. Tyson” showdown on Netflix click here.