Mike Tyson's confident 'hurt' message to Jake Paul ahead of Mike Perry fight

Mike Tyson has admitted that he agreed to a boxing match with Jake Paul because he doesn't believe the YouTube star can harm him.

The legendary boxer Tyson was supposed to face off against Paul this weekend, but due to a medical issue, the fight has been postponed until November. Instead, Paul will be stepping into the ring with former UFC star and bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry as a warm-up for his bout with Tyson.

Tyson, now 58, hasn't participated in a professional fight since he retired mid-match after five rounds against Kevin McBride nearly two decades ago. However, he did go toe-to-toe with fellow boxing icon Roy Jones Jr in a private match in 2020, which ended in a dull draw after eight rounds.

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On the other hand, Paul has had a successful boxing career so far, winning nine out of his ten fights. His only loss was against Tommy Fury last year.

He's faced several former UFC stars including Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva, and Nate Diaz. Despite this, Tyson remains confident that Paul poses little threat. "I don't think he can hurt me," he shared with Esquire magazine when questioned about his decision to fight Paul.

"Coach, I don't think he can hurt me! I don't think this was meant to be done by any man but me. I love it. I'm a glory junkie. I love people thinking about me all day. I'd rather live a short life of glory than a long life of obscurity. It's just who I am. This is all I started fighting for - to get all this ------- status. I'm going to be chasing it for the rest of my life. I know that. I'm never going to get what I want, because I'm one of those gluttons for pain. I can never get enough."

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Tyson also brushed off concerns that losing to Paul could tarnish his legacy as one of the greatest fighters ever. "I'm still going to die; I'm still going to starve if I don't eat," he stated.

"Suppose I go on hard times and become a bum on the street. Am I still an icon? What is my legacy? Nothing but an ego. Who cares about my legacy? My legacy can't buy me a hot dog. Legacy is going to get me nothing."

Paul has confessed that he is putting his fight with Tyson at risk by taking on Perry but maintains he will emerge unscathed. "He's doing good, he's back in training," Paul said when asked if he had spoken to Tyson.

"He was concerned about me taking this fight. He was like, 'What is Jake doing, this guy Mike Perry is a killer'. He has some concerns but Tyson, my message to you is don't worry, I'm going to put this guy to sleep. This guy is a Mike appetiser and then you're next."