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 challenge pressured 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 Preventing 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 needed 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 individuals wish to delay fights. I’ve bought to get my expertise within the ring. I like preventing. I like going beneath the intense lights, and I like placing on exhibits for the followers. I’ll turn out to be world champion, however to do this I want expertise,” Paul stated throughout an look on The MMA Hour.
Associated: Daniel Cormier: ‘Jake Paul will get beat on July 20’
“And Mike Tyson is an absolute killer, so I do wish to face one other absolute killer,” Paul continued. “Do not get it fallacious. 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 robust he’s, and I wish 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 precise path 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 suppose he has what it takes to final that lengthy. However that is why I took this struggle. I want the expertise. I want robust guys, and I like placing on exhibits for the followers.”