Leadup to Mike Tyson-Jake Paul boxing match getting aggressive as bout nears
A playful faceoff early in the week took a darker turn on Thursday as Mike Tyson and Jake Paul have been meeting face-to-face to promote their boxing match this summer.
On Monday, Tyson and Paul met inside the Apollo Theater in New York City for a press conference with undercard fighters Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano. USA TODAY reported that the "atmosphere was festive and relaxed. There was no bad blood. The fighters in both matches expressed abundant respect and admiration for their opponents," writes Lorenzo Reyes.
Compare that to Thursday's press conference in Arlington, Texas. The tone was noticeably darker and more contentious, writes Josh Peter. The crowd greeted Paul with boos, and jeers of “(Expletive), Jake Paul!’’
Addressing speculation that the fight is rigged and Tyson must lose, Tyson replied: “Well, just come to the fight and you’ll see. Listen, I started Jake off and I’m going to finish him." Paul fought his second bout as a pro as an undercard during Tyson’s exhibition against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020.
The crowd cheered, USA TODAY reports, and Paul snapped back. “Hey, I hope you all keep the same energy when I knock this old man the (expletive) out,’’ he said.
Tyson seemed irritated by the antics of Paul and briefly walked off at the end.
When is the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight?
The two will fight July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys.
How to watch the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson bout
The fight will be livestreamed by Netflix, at no additional cost to subscribers.
What are Jake Paul's, Mike Tyson's connections to Ohio?
In the 1990s, Tyson lived in a mansion in Southington, which is located northeast of Akron in Trumbull County.
Paul was born in Cleveland and raised in Westlake.
Tyson's Ohio roots extend to his managerial team. Cleveland native Don King was the heavyweight's promoter during the height of his professional career.
This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: When is Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul? Fighters get dark in leadup to bout
