On July 20th, Jake Paul will make his boxing comeback as he steps into the ring for an eight-round match against Mike. Mike’s boxing record currently stands at 0-1, with his last and only fight occurring nine years ago.
In addition to that, “Platinum” Mike Perry, a well-known figure in mixed martial arts, has suffered defeat in seven out of his last ten fights inside the cage. Furthermore, he has been involved in bareknuckle fights without gloves and has faced numerous allegations and lawsuits in his personal life. Consequently, he is considered the perfect adversary for Jake Paul’s upcoming 11th professional boxing match.
Despite his numerous flaws, Mike Perry is a significant upgrade compared to the other opponent named Mike who was initially set to box Paul this July. That particular Mike happens to be the 58-year-old Mike Tyson, and while it’s a relief that Tyson won’t be appearing in the boxing ring this weekend, it’s disheartening to know that he will eventually fight Paul on a rescheduled date in December.
The decision, although cruel and unavoidable, left Paul requiring an opponent for his upcoming fight at Amalie Arena in Tampa this Saturday. However, this situation also presented an opportunity for Mike Perry.
Paul, with a record of 9-1 (6), expressed his determination to fight on July 20 after the rescheduling of the Paul vs. Tyson match. He believes that there is no better opponent for him than Mike Perry, who is known for his knockout abilities and unpredictable behavior both inside and outside the ring. Paul sees this fight as the perfect opportunity to gain valuable experience before facing Mike Tyson. Despite the risks involved, Paul considers himself a risk taker and is not afraid of anyone, as he proudly calls himself “Titanium” Jake Paul. He is confident in securing a victory and intends to showcase his skills in this fight, giving fans a taste of what to expect when he faces Mike Tyson. To witness this exciting match, tune in to DAZN PPV as Paul returns to Tampa and aims to send “Platinum” Perry, also known as the Platypus, back to bareknuckle fighting for good.
The American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas will be the venue for a highly anticipated showdown between Jake Paul and Nate Diaz on August 5, 2023. (Image credit: Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Describing Mike Perry as a “maniac in and out of the ring” and suggesting that he should be celebrated or financially rewarded for it seems more like a promotional stunt from the world of pro wrestling rather than a statement related to boxing. It is, however, the only somewhat intriguing thing Jake Paul has said leading up to this fight. By intriguing, I mean disturbing. This reveals Jake Paul’s high regard for the marketability of a “maniac,” which might explain why he is so determined to fight Mike Tyson later this year.
Selling is a trait of maniacs, and it has always been so. We are afraid of them, yet we are also drawn to observe them. As long as we maintain a safe distance from these individuals, this fascination will persist. This principle holds true in the realm of combat as well, and Paul is undoubtedly aware that by pursuing fighters with a certain notoriety, he could potentially reignite the waning interest in his budding professional boxing career.
For instance, in Perry, there resides a wild man who has gained a devoted fan following due to his remarkable achievements in MMA. What’s even more intriguing is that Perry, despite his resilience, lacks significant boxing background, making him the perfect embodiment of the consistent theme seen throughout Jake Paul’s professional boxing journey.
Perry confidently stated that despite Jake Paul’s claims of fearlessness, his true abilities will be revealed on Saturday. Perry, who suffered a defeat in his only professional boxing match against Kenneth McNeil, believes that Paul has made a grave error by underestimating him. Perry vows to effortlessly outperform Paul and provide him with invaluable lessons about the sport of fighting.
Jake Paul and Mike Tyson
When it comes to Mike Tyson, his notoriety surpasses that of any other athlete in the world. Although Jake Paul will face the most accomplished boxer in his career by encountering “Iron” Mike, it’s important to acknowledge that Tyson hasn’t competed in a boxing match for nearly two decades. Furthermore, it’s impossible to forget that Tyson’s last fight against Kevin McBride resulted in a depressing and deteriorated version of his former self. He was overweight, physically battered, and under the influence of drugs, serving as another instance of an athlete driven by greed and ego, prolonging their self-deception and suffering.
At the age of 58, Tyson seems to have become more relaxed, which is generally considered a positive change for him as a person, regardless of whether it is a result of substances or physical deterioration. However, when it comes to his competitiveness, the notion of Tyson becoming mellow and experiencing a decline in speed and strength is concerning and counterproductive. This would create an ideal opportunity for Jake Paul to challenge Tyson in a boxing match in 2024.
