Mike Tyson accused of following a ‘script’ after ‘half-hearted’ Jake Paul shove in press conference
Mike Tyson has been accused of following a ‘script’ by Carl Froch as the boxing icon prepares to come out of retirement to face Jake Paul.
The bout between the two men is set to take place in November, having originally been scheduled to kick off in July.
On Sunday, Tyson and Paul met at a press conference as they discussed their upcoming fight.
Tyson said he was feeling good following his ulcer flare up earlier this year, while Paul insisted he was confident of defeating the 58-year-old.
There were some fireworks, however, with Tyson giving his upcoming opponent a shove as they met on the stage.
Froch isn’t buying it, though, and has now accused Iron Mike of following a ‘script’ – while also labelling the shove as ‘half-hearted’.
“Mike Tyson I think he is just playing his role,” the former boxing star said on his YouTube channel.
“In my opinion, Mike Tyson has probably got the script. Because when I saw that press conference there was a half-hearted shove.
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“Jake Paul stood there stern-looking and didn’t even say anything so to me it all just look contrived and fake.
“It’s not even pantomime, it is worse than pantomime because for me as an ex-pro boxer it is just not enjoyable to watch.
“We want to see Jake Paul get flattened, that is the appeal. Can Mike Tyson render Jake Paul unconscious?
“But, unfortunately, in the real world that will not happen.
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“I just think it is a shame that Tyson is getting in the ring with this idiot Fake Paul [sic], it is just clown world.
“It shouldn’t be happening, I don’t like it, but I hope Tyson can go in there and not get hurt and make a few quid.”
Tyson and Paul’s fight had originally been expected to be sanctioned as an exhibition, rather than a professional clash.
Yet that isn’t the case, despite two-minute rounds being enforced rather than the usual three.
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Paul said during the press conference that it was Tyson’s idea to have shorter rounds.
Tyson had mocked his opponent by saying: “Be in shape, be in good shape because your health depends on it.”
But Paul hit back, with the 27-year-old saying: “You’re the one that wanted eight, two-minute rounds.
“Want to make it eight, threes? Don’t talk to me about shape.”
After being told to ‘be careful’, he added: “That’s the thing, everyone is all talk. I’ll do whatever, wherever, whenever, it’s all talk.
“Put it on the line. I’m stating facts, he’s s**t talking.”