Mike Tyson insists £60m Jake Paul fight is NOT for the money and reveals why he accepted controversial Netflix bout
MIKE TYSON insists his £60million match against Jake Paul is NOT money-motivated.
The heavyweight great returns to the ring on November 15 for a controversial clash against YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul.
It will mark Netflix’s first foray into live boxing with the pair to split a massive $80million (£60m) purse down the middle.
But Tyson – who blew through £250m during his superstar heyday – claims he is not back in boxing because of the mega-bucks on offer.
He said: “The money from this fight is not going to change my lifestyle. This is not for financial reasons.
“My life is not gonna change, not one per cent after this fight, I will always be able to live this way and I’m just doing it because I wanna test myself.”
Tyson returns for his first professional bout since 2005 – almost 20 YEARS after quitting on his stool against tree surgeon Kevin McBride.
But he does so to headline in front of an expected crowd of nearly 80,000 at the Dallas Cowboy’s NFL stadium.
Reflecting on his career, Tyson said: “Boxing’s changed tremendously and I mean, I’m doing it more so now changing it by doing this fight.
“So I’m a part of boxing changing as well. When you think about it, not being egotistical, who else can do this?
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“Just think about it. Go ahead and I’m not trying to jerk myself off, but who else could do this? Nobody, huh?”
Tyson’s already slammed comeback faced further scrutiny when he was was forced to pull out of the initial July 20 date due to a health precaution.
Iron Mike suffered an ulcer flare-up in his stomach during a flight – but has since been passed medically fit to resume training.
Although he will also have to undergo extra heart and brain checks due to his age while both will be subject to drug testing.
Amid the safety concerns, Tyson hit back: “I’m just doing really well.
“I’m very grateful that I’m doing well. I’m just looking forward to the fight, really looking forward to it.”
Even when Tyson last fought two decades ago it was clear to see his days as the Baddest Man on The Planet were far behind him.
But he says just a fraction of his brilliant best will be enough to beat 10-1 Paul.
He said: “When you think about it regardless of how old I am, this guy only has ten fights.
“He only has ten fights, if I can fight a little bit with my experience, he only has ten f***ing fights, okay?
“If I can fight 10 per cent of what I was, he only has ten fights, he couldn’t match that.
“And that’s being sincere. If I’m 10 per cent, he can’t match it.”