Mike Tyson's getting ready to step back into the ring after 20 years away from professional boxing. The former heavyweight champ will face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Texas this December.
At a recent press conference, Tyson didn't hold back. He told reporters he's feeling good and ready to go.
"I'm just ready, I'm ready, I'm going to talk my talk and do my shit but I'm ready to fight."
Paul tried to rattle Tyson by bringing up a recent health issue that forced them to push back the fight date. But 'Iron Mike' wasn't having it. He fired back with a bold claim about his skills.
"I feel a lot better now. Who else can do it but me? Who else is he going to fight to make this happen? You got a YouTuber fighting the greatest fighter that ever lived."
Tyson's confidence is sky-high, but he's facing a much younger opponent in Paul, who's got a handful of fights under his belt. The age gap and Tyson's long break from the sport have some fans worried about how this bout will play out.
Heavyweight boxing needs more than just confidence. It takes hard work in the gym, sparring with top fighters, and being in peak shape. The mental game is just as important. We saw this recently when Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury for the undisputed title in May. Usyk had to dig deep and overcome some tough moments to win on points.
Tyson's often named as many people's favorite fighter. But a loss to Jake Paul could put a dent in his legacy and raise questions about his health.
You can catch more of Tyson and Paul's heated exchange at the press conference here. The fight's set for December in Texas, and it's sure to be a spectacle, one way or another.
