The fight could reportedly generate up to £36million
Mike Tyson has dismissed suggestions that he and Jake Paul are in negotiations to step into the ring together in Las Vegas this year.
The Sun reported that negotiations were in the “advanced” stage and if the fight went ahead, could generate up to £36million (USD$49 million).
However, Tyson, 55, has since sought to clarify rumours of a mega-fight between himself and the 25-year-old Paul, with the former heavyweight boxer taking to social media to discuss the situation.
Responding to reports of an agreement between himself and ‘The Problem Child’, Tyson said: “This is new to me. I saw Jake in St. Barths and he never mentioned it.”
While Tyson may have denied that a fight between the pair is in the works, he has previously stated that he could easily knock Paul out.
When asked if he could KO the YouTuber-turned-boxer, he said: “So f****** easy. Yeah, but I would never. I’d be against my own f***** family. They love this little white motherf*****. You know what I mean?
Speaking to JOE in December, Paul told of his respect for Tyson, who at age 20, became the youngest heavyweight champion in history.
“For me, it’s on a deeper level because of getting to spend time with him [Tyson] and seeing how his brain operates. He’s so wise. “Who he is off-camera is just an amazing human being.”
The Sun source said it’s hoped the fight will bridge “the gap between old school boxing fans and the new generation of followers”.
When Tyson was asked last year whether he’d ever step into the ring with one of the Paul brothers, he said he would if the price was right.
“That is the fight for the money. Those are the money-making fights, those guys got 35 million people to watch.
“Yes. Hell, I would fight them. They would fight me. That would make a lot of money.
“Hundred million dollars, they do anything, they don’t mind getting beat up for a hundred million dollars.”
Paul has also discussed the possibility of facing MMA star Jorge Masvidal in the octagon, calling out UFC president Dana White in the process.
Related links:
- Jake Paul says he wants to go down as a ‘legend’ of boxing
- Tony Bellew calls Jake Paul a ‘f****g muppet’ after claims he’s carrying boxing
- Logan Paul reckons people actually think Jake Paul is this generation’s Mike Tyson