Mike Tyson makes worrying admission ahead of Jake Paul fight amid health warnings
Mike Tyson says he is struggling with training for his upcoming fight with Jake Paul.
Paul and Tyson came face-to-face for the first time since their surprise professional encounter, set for July 20, was announced at the first leg of their press tour in New York.
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The heavyweight legend was asked how he was feeling ahead of the fight, and his response drew an awkward silence in the crowd.
Tyson replied: "I’m beautiful but my body is s*** right now. I’m really sore.”
It is no wonder he is sore, given the former undisputed champion suffers from sciatica and has even been seen using a walking stick.
There has been a significant amount of criticism from the boxing world for the sanctioned fight taking place, with it set to count on both fighters' professional records.
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Heavyweight icon Tyson hasn't fought competitively since losing to Kevin McBride in 2005, and it was already a sad decline for the legend who was defeated in three of his four final outings.
Paul has limited experience in the ring with his toughest challenge coming against Tommy Fury to whom he was beaten in February 2023.
But the 'Problem Child' is 27 years old and in his physical prime, which has led to questions over Tyson's health given he could take some damaging shots.
However, Tyson was still defiant. "I really like Jake a lot but once he's in that ring he has to fight like his life depends on it, because it will be," he told the audience, with Paul sat alongside him.
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Tyson has been releasing a series of training clips in a bid to prove his fitness, where he has shown off his trademark devastating power on the pads.
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Fans have even called for either fighter to cancel the fight, with the risks to both seemingly concerning the boxing world.
And in response to critics, Tyson said: "The people who said [it shouldn't go ahead] wish they were up here. Because no one else can do it. Who else can do this? Who else can shut the sporting world down, no one else can do it. So you got the both of us.
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"We're friends, but in that ring we're not going to be friends."
In the co-main event Katie Taylor will meet Amanda Serrano, with both sitting alongside the duo.
And Taylor was simply starstruck when sat alongside the youngest-ever heavyweight champion, praising him for his role in the sport.
She said: "He is an icon of the sport, it is just incredible. You are a legend.
"I fell in the love with the sport in the 90's, and Mike Tyson was the biggest name in boxing at the time.
"You are ferocious, super exciting to watch and a real historian and I love your knowledge.
"I cannot believe I am sat next to Mike Tyson right now, I am pinching myself."
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