Fans fear for Jake Paul after Mike Tyson makes surprising ‘sad’ announcement months before fight

Boxing fans reckon that Jake Paul ought to pack his bags, change his name and flee to another country after realising how seriously Mike Tyson is taking their upcoming clash.

The unlikely duo will face off in just a matter of months at the 80,000-seat capacity AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, which will be streamed live on Netflix.

'Iron' Mike, 57, boasts a record of 50-6, with 44 KOs, while the YouTube star's stands at 9-1, with 6 KOs, so there is obviously already a clear favourite to win.

Despite being three decades older than his opponent, Tyson is confident that he will still triumph - as he's been there, done that and got the t-shirt plenty of times.

The sportsman, who is regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time, said he is 'very much looking forward to' stepping into the ring with Paul, AKA the 'Problem Child'.

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Tyson said: "He's grown significantly as a boxer over the years, so it will be a lot of fun to see what the will and ambition of a 'kid' can do with the experience and aptitude of a GOAT.

"It's a full circle moment that will be beyond thrilling to watch; as I started him on his boxing journey on the undercard of my fight with Roy Jones and now I plan to finish him."

Paul is obviously knuckling down in the gym to get ready to take on Tyson on 20 July, which will be his second fight of the year following his victory over professional boxer, Ryan Bourland.

But fans think that no amount of preparation will save the 27-year-old from getting absolutely battered, especially after Tyson made a 'sad' announcement, which showed how dedicated he is to being fighting fit.

Take a look at this:

If you weren't aware, the 'baddest man on the planet' was also a podcaster these days and his popular show Hotboxin' with Mike Tyson proved a huge hit with fans.

He interviewed the likes of Joe Rogan and The Undertaker - and not to mention Jake Paul himself - on the podcast, which is centred around 'powerful conversations with fascinating minds in a studio full of smoke'.

Tyson has openly discussed his weed habit and even launched his own cannabis company, Tyson 2.0, in October 2021.

Among his range of THC-infused products, he has a line of edibles which are in the shape of Evander Holyfield's ear, which he memorably took a chunk out of during their June 1997 heavyweight rematch.

The Hangover star also likes a good old chat too, so a weed-related podcast was right up his street.

But on Wednesday (20 March), he stunned fans by announcing Hotboxin' with Mike Tyson was going up in smoke.

Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

In a video sharing the news, Tyson said: "Ladies and gentlemen, these are my final recordings of Hotboxin'.

"This is my next chapter in life, please enjoy the following social on my website for my next venture. I love you all."

The fact he is seemingly jacking in his smoking habit while training for his clash against Paul left boxing fans all thinking the same thing - that Tyson's opponent is in serious trouble.

One social media user said: "Wait, he quit his podcast smoking pot and talking to focus on a fight....Jake RUN! I don't even like you, but this is good game."

Another joked: "Next podcast will be 'Headpounding with Mike Tyson'. First guest is...."

A third added: "Journey indeed. Now it's time to seal another chapter in your true craft of boxing my brother. Finish it!"

A fourth wrote: "Mike's gonna knock this dude out."

And a fifth chimed in: "I'm excited to see you back in the ring!"

LADbible have contacted Tyson and Paul for comment.