Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul: ‘Iron Mike’ Warns, ‘I’m Coming to Get Him’ in Exclusive Dan Rafael Interview

On November 15 at the  AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Mike Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) will face Jake Paul (10-1, 7 KOs) in an eagerly anticipated eight-round heavyweight contest in which The Texas State Athletic Commission has mandated 14-ounce gloves and no headgear. The entire card will stream live across the globe on Netflix. Ahead of this historic fight, “Iron Mike” has spoken exclusively to Dan Rafael on the latest Big Fight Weekend/Fight Freaks Unite podcast.

Mike Tyson Talks to Dan Rafael Ahead of Jake Paul Fight on Nov. 15

Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul: Motivation for ‘Iron Mike’

Not long into the interview, Rafael asked Tyson about his motivation for taking the Paul fight besides financial: “This payday wouldn’t change my life any. My life would still be the same if I didn’t receive this purse. It’s just that I want to test myself. I want to get outside my comfort zone.”

“Iron Mike” was then asked what he thinks Cus D’Amato would think of his comeback: “He would love it because he thought that fighting was psychological more than physical, and if a fighter stayed in shape and stayed active, he could still be successful at an older age.”

Read More: Reliving Mike Tyson’s 37-Second Knockout of Robert Colay

When asked about retiring the first time and not wanting to fight again, Tyson said: “Times are different now. I have a totally different relationship with myself and god. I don’t feel like that anymore.”

Overcoming Health Setbacks

Addressing the postponement of the original fight date of July 20, Tyson said: “I had a bleeding ulcer. I was eating bad food – I had a bleeding ulcer, and I started feeling exhausted during my workout and I couldn’t understand it because just a week before it, I was going eight rounds, 10 rounds and I would go three rounds and I was exhausted.”   

Read More: Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul: Roy Jones Jr. Reveals His Bold Prediction for November 15 Showdown

Tyson continued: “I was getting ready to go to Los Angeles and I was on the plane and I passed out on the plane. ” He added: “I’m perfect now.”

To hear the entire Mike Tyson interview and more from the “Big Fight Weekend/Fight Freaks Unite Preview Podcast” with Dan Rafael and TJ Rives, click the play button below.

Mentality and Message for Jake Paul

Tyson was known throughout his career for his desire to destroy his opponents. This desire and KO instinct saw him go 19-0, 19 KOs until James Tillis extended “Iron Mike” the full 12 rounds. When asked about that mentality and if he still possesses it, Tyson said: “I believe I can do it with Jake Paul.” He added: “I’m coming to get him. I’m coming straight for him as soon as the bell rings.”

Stay with Big Fight Weekend for coverage of the impending fight between Tyson and Paul, including results and video highlights, and post-fight analysis.