Mike Tyson will be 58 on June 30, but the legendary boxer says fans are still “craving” to see him back in the ring for a fight with Jake Paul.

Mike TysonPhoto: Aurora Rose / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

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Mike Tyson: “Everyone is jealous. I get billions of views just talking about fights”

The fight between the ex-heavyweight champion and the famous YouTuber will take place on July 20 at the 80,000-capacity AT&T Stadium in Arlington (Texas), home of the Dallas Cowboys.

“Iron Mike,” who has 50 wins (44 by knockout) and 6 losses, said the 27-year-old Paul (9 wins and one loss) recognizes the public’s continued interest in him.

“What if I’m 58? I get billions of views just talking to someone about wrestling. Everyone is jealous, even most athletes, it’s crazy… You couldn’t attract a million people in your prime. What you keep saying, you couldn’t fill the arena. Who at 58 could fill an 80,000-seat arena?

Why do you think he wants to fight me and not someone else? Everyone wants to fight him, every boxer wants to fight him. But if he fought them, only those who liked him would come. Other boys, their parents might not even come to them. It’s just being realistic. They’re too boring for their kids to watch, it’s like watching grass grow” – Mike Tyson for Reuters.

Mike Tyson last stepped into the ring in November 2020, when he ended a draw with Roy Jones Jr. in an exhibition match.

According to USA Today, the fight between Tyson and Paul could be an exhibition match, meaning rounds would last two minutes (as opposed to the traditional three), boxers would wear heavier gloves (to be safer) and that there would be no official judges to judge the rounds. (wins can be obtained only by knockout).