Jake Paul has received some advice ahead of his highly-anticipated bout with boxing legend Mike Tyson – to “tell the ref” if he spits out his gumshield. Despite retiring in 2005 with an illustrious 50-6 record, and 44 professional knockouts, 58-year-old Tyson is gearing up for a comeback against YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul this November.
The pair were due to square off on July 20, but Tyson stepped down citing medical issues. Undeterred, Paul, 27, kept the date and emerged victorious against bare-knuckle fighter Mike Perry, notching a sixth-round TKO to bolster his impressive 10-1 record.
Since turning professional in 2020, ‘The Problem Child’ has toppled numerous ex-UFC champions, claiming wins over big names like Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley, Ben Askren, and Nate Diaz. His only defeat came from Tommy Fury in February last year, via a split decision.
Kevin McBride, the last boxer to encounter ‘Iron Mike’ in the ring, handed out a caution to Paul during an interview with Instant Casino. “Keep you’re f****** hands up and watch that he doesn’t spit out his mouthpiece and if he does, tell the ref,” said McBride.
“I’d warn Jake Paul to make sure Mike doesn’t spit his mouthpiece out because if he does you never know what’s going to happen. You don’t know what Mike Tyson is going to do, he’s a fearsome man. It takes balls to get in the ring with Tyson even in his fifties, whether you’re a YouTuber or a fighter, it takes big balls. Tyson is no joke.”
Tyson, known for his ferocity in the ring, was forced into retirement by McBride after an intense six-round battle that saw the former heavyweight champion exhaust himself with aggressive tactics and ultimately succumb to his opponent’s size and strength advantage.
Despite Tyson’s initial success with rapid-fire punches, signs of weariness appeared by the fifth round, culminating in him being pinned against the ropes under McBride’s relentless assault.
The sixth round saw brief exchanges before McBride effectively neutralised Tyson’s threat through clinching, leading to a timeout when Tyson entangled McBride’s arm. The fight took a dramatic turn when a head clash caused a cut over McBride’s eye, further enraging the Irishman and resulting in Tyson being penalised two points for an “intentional headbutt”.
McBride managed to land some heavy punches on Tyson towards the end of the round, forcing the boxing icon back against the ropes before he collapsed onto the canvas. Tyson was unable to continue, resulting in McBride being declared the winner by retirement.
