Mike Tyson's honest claim about staggering prize money from Jake Paul fight sums him up
Mike Tyson fought Jake Paul in an exhibition bout in November 2024, with the former world heavyweight champion making an estimated £20 million from the eight-round contest
Mike Tyson made it clear his decision to fight Jake Paul was driven by his passion for boxing, not the prospect of a big payday.
This time last year, the former heavyweight champion of the world was gearing up to take on the social media star turned boxer at AT&T Stadium in Texas. At 58 and over three decades older than his opponent, Tyson's comeback to the ring sparked controversy, with many fans speculating he was doing it just for the money.
The match proved a disappointment, with Paul emerging victorious on points after Tyson failed to land a significant punch during the eight rounds. However, Tyson, who is set to fight fellow boxing icon Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition next year, maintained that the estimated $20 million he earned from the fight wasn't his main incentive.
While commentating at a Cage Wars MMA event, he referred to his profitable business selling cannabis-based wellness products, saying: "I could be waiting on a check every day from cannabis.
"That's bulls*** for me. [that he fought Paul for the money] I'm a man; I want to go out there and I want to expose myself to risk. Sometimes I want to see who I really am. I want to see what I'm really made out of. I want to perform in front of the world.
"To me, that's all I ever knew how to do since I was 14. This fight is not going to change my life financially enough. This is just what I want to do."
Presumably, Tyson, who will be 60 next year, has the same motivation for fighting former five-weight world champion Mayweather, 48. The fight was announced by boxing production company CSI Sports, but no venue or date details were given, other than it will take place in the spring.
Tyson said: "This fight is something neither the world nor I ever thought would or could happen. Boxing has entered a new era of the unpredictable – and this fight is as unpredictable as it gets.
"I still can't believe Floyd wants to really do this. It's going to be detrimental to his health, but he wants to do it, so it's signed and it's happening."
Mayweather, who retired undefeated after his 50-fight career with a win over MMA star Conor McGregor in 2017, said: "I've been doing this for 30 years and there hasn't been a single fighter that can tarnish my legacy.
"You already know that if I am going to do something. It's going to be big and it's going to be legendary.
"I'm the best in the business of boxing. This exhibition will give the fans what they want."