John Fury is baffled by Mike Tyson’s decision to fight Jake Paul.
Heavyweight legend Tyson made the surprise move to announce he will face YouTube star Paul in a July 20 showdown at the age of 58, in a fight which has attracted heavy criticism.
Infamous boxing father Fury has made repetitive call-outs to Tyson in a bid to lure the American into the ring, including in person when the pair met in Saudi Arabia at son Tommy Fury’s own meeting with Paul last year.
Although a fight has failed to materialise, and Fury is truly baffled by the decision.
He told Seconds Out: “I’m the same age as him. What the hell is wrong with him?
“Even His Excellency Turki said I’m shocked Tyson didn’t want to fight you’
“I’m shocked myself. But I tell you what, I must have a presence – the Gypsy King’s dad.
“He’s fighting a middleweight instead of me. But I’ll fight anybody, I’m not bothered. Let’s get me paid – but pay me what I’m worth.
“You can get killed can’t you? But I’m willing to risk my life for the right fight.
“The right fight is him, Mike Tyson.”
‘Iron’ Mike refused to rule out an exhibition when the pair met, and even burst into tears after learning the story behind his namesake Tyson Fury.
It would certainly be much more well-matched with Fury Sr a similar age to the heavyweight legend, who is far from his heyday.
Mike Tyson claims he is ‘scared to death’ of boxing Jake Paul in bizarre pre-fight admission
59-year-old Fury has a professional record of eight wins with four defeats and one draw, with his last outing coming in a loss to Steve Garber in 1995.
Tyson already himself returned in an exhibition with Roy Jones Jr in November 2020, and is expected to compete against Paul in a similar format.
However, significant concerns have been raised for Tyson’s health given his age.
There will be a 31-year-old age gap between the pair, but the former undisputed heavyweight champion is determined to take it seriously and is certainly training hard.
Critics of his fight were met with a defiant message from Tyson, who insists he is in great condition to compete again.
And it is no wonder fighters are looking to end retirement, given he is reportedly set to pocket a tidy $20 million for just one final evening.
