Mike Tyson receives surprisingly sweet message from Jake Paul as controversial boxing bout approaches
Mike Tyson has received a sweet message from Jake Paul ahead of their bout on July 20, with the youngster hailing the boxing legend for inspiring the next generation.
The boxing world has been divided over the battle due to the huge 30-year age gap between the two fighters.
Tyson, who is currently 57, will be 58 by the time the fight takes place – with Paul 27.
The former YouTuber often likes to wind up opponents but, when it comes to Iron Mike, he seems to be adopting a different approach.
Tyson was yesterday invited into Ryan Garcia’s dressing room prior to the 25-year-old’s fight with Devin Haney.
The boxing legend shared footage of their exchange on Instagram.
And Paul has praised Tyson, thanking the boxing icon for ‘supporting the next generation’.
“Love this Mike thank you for all you do for boxing and supporting the next generation,” he commented on the post.
Others were also quick to praise Tyson, too, with one user saying: “Muhammad Ali used to visit Mike before the fight now Mike doing the same for other young boxers what a legend.”
A second stated: “Mike Tyson has always been an incredible athlete.
“But Mike Tyson the person has been truly inspirational through his actions, accomplishments, achievements and the amount of respect he shows everyone.”
Another stated: “Showing respect to both fighters like a true legend, right on Mike.”
A fourth said: “Mike is the ultimate comeback story. The wisdom he possesses is immense.”
And a fifth said: “I love the respect in these clips.”
As mentioned above, the boxing world is divided over Tyson and Paul’s decision to lock horns.
Eddie Hearn and Ricky Hatton have been among those who aren’t happy that the battle is going ahead.
But Iron Mike, speaking to Fox News earlier this month, insisted those scrutinising himself and Paul were ‘jealous’.
“I’m 58 and what? I’m getting billions of views from just talking to somebody about fighting,” he said.
“Everybody, even most of the athletes, they’re jealous, that’s whack.
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“I say in your prime you couldn’t draw a million people, man.
“What are you talking, you couldn’t sell out arena. Who at 58 could sell out an 80,000-seat arena?
“Why you think he wants to fight me and not anybody else? Everybody wants to fight him, all the boxers want to fight him.
“But if he fought them the only people that will come are the people that like him.
“The other guys, their parents might not even come watch them. That’s just keeping it real.
“They’re too boring for their children to watch, it’s like watching grass grow.”
Netflix will stream the fight between Tyson and Paul to millions on July 20.
And who comes out on top remains to be seen.