Jake Paul has no problems with being the bad guy, even when he’s fighting the ‘baddest man on the planet’.
Mike Tyson, now 58, earned that moniker during his heyday when he blazed a trail through the heavyweight boxing division to become the undisputed champion of the world.
It would later come to represent an altogether darker side of Tyson when he served three years in jail in the 1990s for the rape of 18-year-old Desiree Washington.
The New Yorker returns to the ring tomorrow night when he takes on Paul, who started out as a YouTuber before turning his hand to boxing.
His journey – and particularly his choice of opponents – has led to criticism, and no doubt some jealousy, as he amassed an enormous personal fortune along the way.
WHO YOU GOT? Jake Paul and Mike Tyson stare down at the #PaulTyson press conference.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15
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Paul relishes role as Mr Unpopular
At Wednesday’s press conference which was open to the public, it was clear Tyson was the more popular figure and he can expect the bulk of the support on fight night in Arlington, Texas.
Rather than try to fight the tide, Paul has accepted his role and embraced it.
In remarks reported by ESPN, the 27-year-old said: “I don’t care about their opinions, because I’ve seen what people cheer for.
“I kept trying to show people that I’m a good person and look at all this good I’m doing in the world. And no one was buying it. And then one day I was like, f*** it. I can go heel and haven’t looked back since.
“I tell people I’m purposely pissing them off and then they still hate me, and some of them don’t realize that they’re feeding into my game. It’s great, and I don’t disagree with them. That’s why this is such a big event. It’s the ultimate hero and the ultimate heel, and that’s the perfect recipe for success.”
Tyson is ready
Tyson said very little on Wednesday but previously claimed he would “bring the devil himself” into the fight.
Paul is happy Tyson is talking the talk as he claims it will make his achievement all the sweeter when he wins.
“I fear no man,” Paul said. “I want him to be that old savage Mike. He says he’s going to kill me. I’m ready. I want that killer. I want the hardest match possible Friday night, and I want there to be no excuses from everyone at home when I knock him out.”
