Jake Paul was scheduled to field former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on July 20, however a well being problem compelled Tyson to postpone their match till Nov. 15. Paul might have waited till November for the blockbuster showdown however opted to struggle on the unique July 20 date towards former UFC welterweight and undefeated bare-knuckle fighter Mike Perry.
Paul is coming off a first-round knockout win over Ryan Bourland in March. He is 9-1 as knowledgeable boxer. Perry rejuvenated his profession after leaving the UFC in 2021. He was signed by Naked Knuckle Combating Championship (BKFC) and is undefeated within the struggle promotion with wins over former UFC champions Eddie Alvarez and Luke Rockhold. Perry final fought in April, stopping Thiago Alves within the first spherical. He additionally holds a BKFC win over Michael “Venom” Web page.
Perry is a harmful fighter, and Paul wished to face him to achieve expertise earlier than stepping within the ring with Tyson later this 12 months. Whereas Paul says that he respects Perry as a fighter, he plans on utilizing him as a stepping stone.
“I am on a tear. I am not slowing down for anyone, if folks need to delay fights. I’ve acquired to get my expertise within the ring. I like preventing. I like going below the intense lights, and I like placing on exhibits for the followers. I’ll grow to be world champion, however to try this I would like expertise,” Paul mentioned throughout an look on The MMA Hour.
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“And Mike Tyson is an absolute killer, so I do need to face one other absolute killer,” Paul continued. “Do not get it flawed. I feel Mike Perry is humorous. It is entertaining and stuff, however he’s a savage and I do respect him as a fighter. I understand how good he’s and the way powerful he’s, and I need to problem myself in preparation for the Mike Tyson (struggle). I used to be scared going up towards Mike Tyson. I used to be uncertain, however this may be virtually a stepping stone in the fitting course and get me extra time and preparation. Hopefully Mike Perry can final and provides me some good eight rounds, however we’ll see what occurs.
“I do not assume he has what it takes to final that lengthy. However that is why I took this struggle. I would like the expertise. I would like powerful guys, and I like placing on exhibits for the followers.”