Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson branded a 'scam' as boxing legend lets slip truth behind fight

Boxing legend Eric 'Butterbean' Esch has blasted the much-hyped showdown between internet sensation Jake Paul and boxing icon Mike Tyson as a "scam." Fans have been on tenterhooks since March, hyped for the bout between 27-year-old YouTuber Paul and 58-year-old ex-heavyweight champ Tyson, which was initially earmarked for July 20 a bout that would've made history as Netflix's debut live boxing event.

However, due to Tyson's health issues, the date was pushed back to November 15. Doubts linger over Tyson's fitness and the substantial age gap. Nonetheless, Butterbean's convinced it's all smoke and mirrors, insisting at G eorgia Pop and Horror Con that a Paul versus Tyson match is not happening: "He and Tyson are never gonna fight," he declared in a recent Q&A.

"That has been a scam from the very beginning just to boost Jake's name - and it has! " Butterbean pointed out the buzz around Paul but maintained that a fight with Tyson was never really on the cards, arguing a promoter wouldn't risk such an intermittent fight given its magnitude.

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"This guy, everybody's talking about him. But he's never gonna fight Tyson. They were never planning on fighting each other, because a promoter would never let him fight anyone else in between a fight. Never - not that big a fight. So, it's been a scam from the beginning."

The ex-heavyweight champ with a record of 77-10-4 recently dangled a £1.5million carrot to lure Paul into the ring. The former Disney star Jake bulked up for his initial bout date with Tyson, later slimming down for a tussle with ex-UFC combatant Mike Perry just last month, reports the Mirror .

Paul breezed through the bout with the bare-knuckle fighter, securing a stoppage win in the sixth round. Butterbean then threw his hat into the ring with a seven-figure bid to box with Paul, although the 58-year-old has mentioned he's still waiting on an answer.

"Hey Jake Paul, would you fight me for $2m [£1.5million]? Winner takes all," Butterbean challenged on TikTok . With a knockout tally of 57 in his 77 wins, fans might relish Butterbean squaring off with 'The Problem Child'.

Tyson's been seen grinding away in preparation for a return to peak condition before July 20, yet concerns linger over his stamina for eight two-minute rounds against an influencer-turned-pugilist like Paul.

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Nearly twenty years have passed since 'Iron Mike' fought professionally, though he managed an eight-round exhibition with Roy Jones Jr. in 2020.

Butterbean stepped away from professional boxing more recently in 2013 and has since dropped weight, vocalizing his eagerness for one final fight.

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