YouTube sensation turned boxer Jake Paul, is embarking on a dramatic physical transformation ahead of his upcoming exhibition bout against former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.
The highly anticipated clash, set to take place on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, marks Paul's debut in the heavyweight division, signaling a significant step in his boxing career.
In his most recent bout against Ryan Bourland on March 2, Paul secured a TKO victory in the cruiserweight division, weighing in at 199lbs.
Now, as he prepares to face Tyson, Paul aims to bulk up to a formidable 220lbs, mirroring the weight Tyson maintained during the prime of his career. This entails a rigorous three-month regimen to add approximately a stone and a half to his frame, a formidable challenge for the 27-year-old American.
While excitement mounts for the showdown, concerns linger regarding the matchup's legitimacy, particularly regarding Tyson's health. At 57 years old, Tyson is three decades Paul's senior, prompting questions about his readiness for the bout. Speculation intensified when footage surfaced on social media showing Tyson utilizing a walking stick, raising doubts about his fitness for the ring.
Tyson's last professional bout occurred in 2005, followed by a return to the ring in 2020 for an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. Despite displaying glimpses of his former prowess in recent training videos, uncertainties persist regarding his ability to contend with Paul's youthful energy and vigor.
Paul, boasting a 9-1 record in boxing, faced his sole defeat against Tommy Fury in February 2023 but has since rebounded with three consecutive victories, including his latest triumph over Bourland. However, the exact rules and regulations governing his bout with Tyson have yet to be finalized, leaving the question of its professional sanctioning by the World Boxing Council (WBC) unanswered.
As the countdown to the spectacle intensifies, boxing enthusiasts await further developments with bated breath, eager to witness the clash between two titans from disparate realms – one a social media maven turned pugilist, the other a heavyweight legend seeking to reclaim his former glory.