YouTube star Jake Paul has revealed he has gained significant weight to avoid being physically overpowered by heavyweight legend Mike Tyson in their upcoming boxing match. Scheduled to take place in Texas in July, this highly controversial fight will be recorded on both boxers’ official records. The bout, set to feature eight two-minute rounds, was adjusted to accommodate Tyson, who will turn 58 before the first bell.
Paul, who is 30 years younger than his rival, has been training to reach the heavyweight class and now claims to weigh around 230 pounds—comparable to the weight of former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua during his prime fights. Having previously competed at cruiserweight, Paul acknowledged the need to bulk up to match Tyson’s physicality. “Everything has been good but it’s been a little transition moving to heavyweight. I definitely needed to put on weight so that I’m able to compete with Mike Tyson and so that he’s not able to throw me around in the ring,” Paul told TMZ Sports.
In preparation, Paul has been sparring with heavyweights and increasing his food intake. Despite Tyson’s critical comments about his physique, Paul remains confident that his increased weight will translate into muscle by fight night. “Mike Tyson has called me fat but I believe fat will turn into muscle and come fight night I believe I will be able to move and dance around the ring like a true heavyweight.”
However, Tyson has not been impressed by Paul’s efforts, bluntly stating that Paul looks “fat.” “I don’t know if he’s in his prime. He’s fat. He should be lean and mean and he’s fat and funky. I saw him with his shirt off though and he’s fat,” Tyson remarked.
In response, Paul invoked Tyson’s shocking defeat by Buster Douglas in 1990 as a reminder of underdogs prevailing in the ring. “Hey, Buster Douglas was fat. Am I right? I know, but you know Buster Douglas, I’m better. I’m going to end you quicker than he did and you’ll remember that forever,” Paul retorted. “You started me off. I appreciate that. Mike, I love you. I love you like a father loves his son, but I must discipline you. You’re going down, man.”
As the July showdown approaches, anticipation and tension are building, with fans eager to see if Paul’s new physique and confidence can withstand the experience and power of the legendary Mike Tyson.