It’s finally here.
Mike Tyson and Jake Paul will face off in a sanctioned boxing match at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Friday. Though the 58-year-old Tyson, one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time, is far removed from his days of demolishing opponents in the first round, his reputation as “Iron Mike” precedes him. Paul, 27, has turned himself from a YouTube celebrity into a legitimate boxer, though the majority of his wins have come in sanctioned fights against mixed martial artists.
Though they couldn’t have come to this fight by more distinct paths, both boxers have one thing in common: They know how to promote a fight. Here’s a look back at some of the best trash talk leading up to the main event.
March 7: It’s official
With the long-rumored fight officially announced, Paul started things off by hyping himself up. Later that day, he revealed that, the first time he met Tyson, Iron Mike called him by his brother’s name.
He’s the greatest heavyweight of all time…the most vicious KO artist ever. But I’m younger, I’m faster and I’m going to be working my ass off to get stronger. A member of my team sent me this video that Mike’s coach put up two weeks ago and asked me if I’m sure that I want to… pic.twitter.com/8krsuyYRtz
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) March 7, 2024
I idolized Mike Tyson until the first time I met him 4 years ago…he called me Logan. Going to make sure he knows who I am real close and personal. https://t.co/RILzkdz4Fa
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) March 7, 2024
March 13: The more things change …
A week after the announcement, Paul reminisced about how stoked he was just hearing Mike Tyson say his name. Tyson, for his own part, went semi-viral just posting a video of his terrifying speed and power.
This tweet was 4 years ago
Crazy how things change…
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. https://t.co/jbsoxKpeGs
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) March 13, 2024
‘It’s day 1…the fun has just begun’ pic.twitter.com/RUbzX1Coba
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) March 14, 2024
March 15: Throwing down the gauntlet
For a man nearing 60, Tyson is in incredible shape, and his training videos have served as a form of trash talk all on their own. Paul wasn’t intimidated, however.
Yes, yes I do. https://t.co/JfSyWf0Qpt
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) March 16, 2024
April 16: Speed kills
What would you do if Mike Tyson was sprinting at you at full speed? Too late — he’s already here.
I’m coming for you #PaulTyson pic.twitter.com/la9vrHvq3L
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) April 16, 2024
April 27: ‘I love Mike Tyson’
Paul gave Tyson his flowers … but that’s not changing his approach to the fight.
I love Mike Tyson. Legend. Honored to share the ring with him. But the legend has stated he intends to end my career…so what do you think I’m going to do on Saturday July 20? https://t.co/7udy7zr9pN
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) April 27, 2024
May 7: More pad work
You’ve got to hand it to the guy holding the pads — it can’t be easy to stand up to that many Tyson haymakers.
“Ready or not here I come” pic.twitter.com/w80t4ZhnFA
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) May 7, 2024
May 13: Iron vs. Titanium
The two boxers met face-to-face, and Paul coined himself a new nickname.
Titanium Jake will sleep Iron Mike. The fun has begun. @MostVpromotions @MikeTyson pic.twitter.com/MxpLonNHtE
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) May 13, 2024
May 31: Fight postponed
The original fight date of July 20 was rescheduled for Nov. 15 as a result of an ulcer flare-up Tyson suffered on a flight. Tyson posted on social media a few days before the official announcement reassuring fans that he was OK.
Now feeling 100% even though I don’t need to be to beat Jake Paul.
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) May 28, 2024
June 8: Trash talk resumes
After a short lull, Tyson returned with a little poetic taunting.
Jake’s new wake date. Nov. 15th.@netflix #PaulTyson pic.twitter.com/dXRv9yknCv
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) June 8, 2024
Aug. 18: Face to face
Paul and Tyson had another staredown in a fight promo, and though there were no shenanigans in person, both fighters traded barbs on social media afterward.
This is going to be a painful lesson for Mike Tyson. He likes to say he gave me my start in boxing. Well I’m going to give him his end. #PaulTyson pic.twitter.com/Co7ihh1GTr
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) August 18, 2024
I love meeting my fans @jakepaul #Paultyson pic.twitter.com/eABwj7RP6z
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) August 18, 2024
Sept. 15: Another staredown
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones played host to this brief staredown at Dallas’ home game against the New Orleans Saints.
Jerry World shut down. Friday, November 15th#PaulTyson pic.twitter.com/fB8gim7xFr
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) September 15, 2024
Sept. 24: Star power
Tyson met with Al Pacino and David Blaine, but it was another member of the group who provided the most memorable quote from this exchange, playing off Tyson originally mistaking Jake Paul for his brother Logan.
“Mike you’re fighting one of those boys, right?”@JakePaul I think she means you pic.twitter.com/Hv9mcJpQX6
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) September 25, 2024
Oct. 24: What’s that noise?
No big deal, just a black-and-white promo of Tyson training with an ominous droning noise in the background.
I’m still the best ever pic.twitter.com/nEVAMR9I4C
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) October 24, 2024
Nov. 10: Contrast killers
This might be the most memorable quote coming out of this fight’s promotion so far.
Nov. 14: ‘It’s personal now’
In the final standoff before their fight, Paul entered Tyson’s personal space. Iron Mike responded with an open-handed slap.
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Mike Tyson slaps Jake Paul at final faceoff before main event
Mike Tyson slaps Jake Paul across the face, and their teams have to be separated at the final faceoff before their main event in Dallas.
