Insight from 1998 interview sheds light on Mike Tyson’s decision to fight Jake Paul

Curiosity around Mike Tyson’s agreement to fight Jake Paul might find roots in a 1998 interview, shedding light on his mindset.
Back when Tyson’s future opponent was just a toddler, and shortly after the infamous ear-biting incident with Evander Holyfield, the ex-heavyweight champ engaged in a revealing interview. During this period, Tyson faced a boxing ban and had been slapped with a hefty £2.34 million ($3m) fine, leading to his licence being revoked in October 1998.
The interview delved into Tyson’s activities during his suspension from the ring. He later discussed the mental health challenges he faced at that time.
Tyson admitted struggling with the lack of direction and objectives, which could hint at why he accepted the challenge from the social media star.
In a candid conversation with Playboy, Tyson was questioned about experiencing self-doubt. His response: “I don’t know if it plagues me. What produces the self-doubt is boredom and idleness. When you’re alone, when you’re with your thoughts. In the midst of action I never have self-doubt.”
These insights potentially clarify why Tyson, now 58, is willing to enter the ring with Paul at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, dismissing any claims that money is his primary motivator.
Tyson emerged from retirement to square off against Roy Jones Jr in a bout dubbed as a “Lockdown Exhibition” due to its occurrence during the Coronavirus pandemic. As it was an exhibition, no winner was declared.
However, his upcoming fight with Paul is a fully sanctioned, professional boxing match that will be recorded on both fighters’ records. Tyson last participated in such a match 19 years ago when he was defeated by Kevin McBride in his final bout in 2005.
Tyson currently holds a record of 50 wins, 44 of which were knockouts, and six losses, three of which occurred in the last four matches of his career. On the other hand, Paul has a record of 10 wins and one loss, which was against Tommy Fury last year.
The ‘Problem Child’ has faced regular criticism for not taking on full-time boxers in his age and weight category, instead choosing to fight former UFC stars like Ben Askren, Anderson Silva, Nate Diaz, and Tyron Woodley – the latter he defeated twice.
Furthermore, there have been widespread concerns about Tyson’s health, who is taking a significant risk by stepping into the ring at his age against an opponent more than 30 years younger. Tyson and Paul were initially set to fight on July 20.
However, the match had to be postponed after Tyson experienced an ulcer flare-up just days before they were due to enter the ring.