Tyson Fury has thrown his weight behind Mike Tyson, predicting a knockout victory for the legendary boxer over Jake Paul in their much-debated upcoming bout.
As the Gypsy King gears up for his own monumental clash with Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia for the undisputed heavyweight title, he’s also keeping an eye on ‘Iron Mike’s’ return to the ring against the internet celebrity Paul this summer.
Despite criticism from boxing traditionalists, Fury believes the match will be a boon for the sport. Speaking on The MMA Hour, Fury expressed his views: “Only jealous fighters who aren’t getting paid and not getting laid, those are the fighters that are jealous. Negative people who are not making any money and are not set to gain anything from the fight,” he said.
Fury continued, praising the economic impact of the event: “I think it’s fantastic, I think it’s created a lot of money. One for Texas, selling all of those tickets. That means it’s a big influence of dollars being spent in the local area. All of Mike’s team and Jake’s team is being fed from it and a lot of rent is being paid. I don’t know what to be negative about, I’m over the moon about it and looking forward to it.”
The heavyweight champ also acknowledged the success of the Paul brothers in the boxing world: “I got to see the legend of Mike Tyson back in the ring in my era. Jake and his brother have done fantastic too, I know we’ve got a rivalry going on with my brother Tommy, but I’ve got to say it as I see it. Jake and Logan have done fantastic for themselves from being young kids to becoming multi-millionaires.
Mike Tyson squared up to Jake Paul for the first time since the fight was agreed (
Image:
2024 Getty Images)
“I know they’ve got a lot of haters but I’m not one of them, I’m a fan. I support being people going in and making millions of dollars out of boxing. It only makes it better for young people who don’t get paid, because more people will be interested in their fight. It brings more eyes to the game and it’s better.”
“If Mike Tyson hits anybody, I don’t care if he’s 90, he’s going to knock them out cold isn’t he? He’s Iron Mike Tyson, the baddest man on the planet. Jake Paul is very experienced now and he’s had a lot of fights but obviously I have to back Mike Tyson for the knockout as he always backs me,” Fury added.