It’s not often you think of ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson as needing motivation to pummel an opponent. But a reporter might have given him some added inspiration yesterday.
Tyson and Jake Paul held a media event in Dallas, Texas on Thursday to promote their upcoming fight. A reporter addressed criticism of Paul for allegedly not taking serious fights to further his boxing career.
In doing so, the reporter essentially referred to Tyson as a “gimmick.” As you might imagine, the former world heavyweight champ wasn’t thrilled.
“When in your career are you going to fight a contender in your weight class and not do gimmick fights” the reporter asked Paul.
The ‘Problem Child’ was surprised and turned in Tyson’s direction saying, “You called Mike Tyson a gimmick?”
Unbowed, the reporter pointed out, “He will be 58 years old at the time of the fight.”
RELATED: Mike Tyson Not Sounding Confident With Jake Paul Fight Looming: ‘Really Sore’
Mike Tyson Glares At Reporter After Being Called A Gimmick
Being called a ’58-year-old gimmick’ didn’t endear the reporter to Mike Tyson.
“What did you just call me?” Tyson yelled while pointing in the man’s direction. “What did you just call me?”
Tyson then sat back and glared while the reporter insisted, “I didn’t call you anything.”
“Age is not a determinant of strength, will or skill. It’s about character and conviction,” Tyson later fired back with fury.
Mike Tyson finally got pissed off 👀👀#BOXINGnBBQ #Boxing#PaulTyson pic.twitter.com/kmoNNTGhFm
— BOXING n BBQ (@BOXINGnBBQ) May 17, 2024
RELATED: Mike Tyson Just Released This Terrifying First-Person Training Video
Is The Fight A Gimmick?
Mike Tyson and Jake Paul have been insisting to the media and fans that the fight coming in July is legitimate and not a gimmick.
The bout has been sanctioned as an official competitive boxing match rather than an exhibition by the Texas Commission.
Tyson also fought back against unfounded allegations that the fight would be scripted for him to lose.
“This fight isn’t scripted as some haters in boxing community want you to believe. This is a sanctioned fight and I’m knocking Jake out,’’ he wrote on X.
Will this dust-up with the reporter motivate Tyson? The legendary pugilist has said in recent days that he’s pretty beat up from training for the Jake Paul fight.
“My body is s— right now,” he confessed at a press tour stop in Harlem, New York. “I’m really sore.”
At yesterday’s presser, he made a more confident prediction.
“Well, just come to the fight and you’ll see,” Tyson said. “Listen, I started Jake off and I’m going to finish him.”
As the crowd in attendance cheered, Paul fired back, “Hey, I hope you all keep the same energy when I knock this old man the f— out.”
The highly anticipated fight between Tyson and Paul is scheduled to take place on July 20, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
There most assuredly will be a high level of energy.
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