Tyson Spills: Pain, Pleasure, And Glory
The incumbent fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson has been a hot topic, leaving many to wonder why Tyson is still on course. Now, there is an answer to the inquiries. Boxing legend Mike Tyson has addressed the issue once and for all.
Tyson's reputation as a skilled fighter is well-known. People are still discovering what Paul ultimately contributes to the sport, which is solidifying a respected presence. It's an unlikely pairing and an unfair matchup compared to their records, which adds credence to the situation's laughability.
It is what some may term as a spectacle. Paul is not even in the same class.
They're Not Like Us
Tyson's record does the talking. He doesn't need to say a word. He certainly has nothing left to prove. The fact that Tyson has even agreed to face Paul already earns the green boxer some recognition and a modicum of respect. What rookie would go up against a champion unless they have massive faith in their ability? It's a tremendous gamble.
From then on out, he's got to wonder if anyone would take him seriously again. Maybe not seriously. Perhaps they will even say he's a little insane. He will be seen as fearless, for sure.
Back To Tyson
Why would Tyson even give this young fighter a chance? "The Baddest Man on the Planet" shed some light on this very thing.
Yahoo notes during an interview, Tyson said
"Can I be honest? I don't think he can hurt me."
"Kid Dynamite's" impressive skills, track record, intense training, and confident stance earn him boasting rights. Looking at what Muhammad Ali once said, “The will must be stronger than the skill," one acknowledges that "Iron Mike" has such in spades. It's not the first time he's admitted that he's got it in the bag.
This remains a bold statement, especially considering Tyson's age. He is 58, and Paul is 27, making his prediction of victory presumptuous. Most understand why, but let's break it down for those who don't.
Tango Between Age And Skill
Jake Paul has considerable skill. He's proven it in the ring. Paul's youth, however, gives him certain advantages. At a young age, there is vitality. This means he has agility, speed, and stamina at his disposal. As the legendary Muhammed Ali once said, "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. You can't hit what your eyes don't see."
Despite the absurdity of comparing Paul to the legendary Ali, we can still consider his words in light of this upcoming match. If Paul focuses on enhancing his speed and agility, he has a fighting chance in the ring.
But Why Paul Specifically
Tyson's unwavering confidence in his abilities is not the only thing driving him to persevere. He also says, "I'm a glory junkie." He further went on to note,
" I love people thinking about me all day. I would rather live a short life of glory than a long life of obscurity. It's just who I am."
With this mentality, it's no surprise that he refuses to back down. What better way to stay relevant in the public's eyes than to step into the ring with one of the most social media-targeted boxers of today?
Paul is not a surprising selection. His biggest draw is, momentarily, not his skill. It's getting there, but much of his current popularity stems from his unconventional route into the boxing world, juxtaposed with his pre-boxing identity.
The Future Is In The Balance
Given Jake Paul's successes, he's becoming an impressive outlier. For dedicated boxing fans, this is an enigma. Someone with little training or vetted history in the sport is doing surprisingly well. For a segment none of that matters, he's still seen as an imposter and novelty act, however, it's hard to deny that his presence is not significant. His performance level sets a precedent for who can be taken seriously in this competitive sport.
Underlining The Underlying Purpose: Bigger Motives
Both fighters stand to gain something by merely announcing a bout. One will earn followers and respect for even attempting to take on a giant in boxing's history. The other will bask in the limelight he craves. All eyes will be on him as he chases after the pain that drives him. As Tyson himself stated,
"This is all I started fighting for — to get all this f***ing status. I’m going to be chasing it for the rest of my life. I know that. I’m never going to get what I want, because I’m one of those gluttons for pain. I can never get enough."
This sums it up. Is there anything else that needs to be said?
Tyson Vs. Paul: Let’s Get It
As the date of November 15th approaches, excitement mounts for what is shaping up to be one of the most talked about events in recent memory. No one wants to miss this card, so mark your calendars. Join in on the conversation that will surely ensue long after it's over.
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