In a dramatic and heated face-to-face meeting, Jake Paul took his trash-talking to another level by punching boxing legend Mike Tyson in the face, escalating tensions ahead of their highly anticipated fight. The YouTuber-turned-boxer vowed to “take down this old man,” promising an unforgettable match on July 20th, streamed on Netflix.

“What I promise to the people is on July 20th, Mike will be put to sleep, and he will feel my power. I will go down as the man who put Tyson to sleep for the last time,” Paul boldly declared during the event in Arlington, Texas, where the fight will be held at the AT&T Stadium. The bout, occurring almost one month after Tyson’s 58th birthday, has already sparked significant controversy and debate among fans and critics alike.

Tyson, never one to back down from a challenge, fired back at Paul. “He’s not going to win,” Tyson stated. “He can’t even knock out Nate D [Nate Diaz], who is like 40 pounds. How’s he going to knock me out? Who’s the other guy? Anderson Silva…. He didn’t knock out Tommy Fury. He didn’t knock those little guys out; how’s he going to knock me out? Who did he knock out? Little children… He never knocked out a real man.”

Both fighters have vehemently denied allegations that the fight is fixed or scripted, emphasizing their genuine intent to compete. “I hope y’all keep that same energy when I knock this old man the f*ck out,” Paul retorted. “Clearly, they don’t have a high IQ in here, but that’s a federal crime.” Tyson, on the other hand, remained resolute, saying, “I started Jake off, and I’m gonna finish him.”

The pre-fight event was filled with taunts and jabs, designed to build hype and excitement for the upcoming clash. Tyson took a shot at Paul’s physique, calling him fat, to which Paul responded by referencing Tyson’s infamous 1990 fight with Buster Douglas. “Hey, Buster Douglas was fat. Am I right? I know, but you know Buster Douglas, I’m better. I’m going to end you quicker than he did, and you’ll remember that forever. You started me off. I appreciate that. Mike, I love you. I love you like a father loves his son, but I must discipline you. You’re going down, man.”

Public opinion is divided, with some fearing for Tyson’s safety due to his age, while others believe he will easily defeat Paul. When asked whether the fight could legitimize Paul as a serious boxer, he responded confidently, “They say he’s the baddest man on the planet, so let’s find out. Apparently, he’s the final boss… I love the biggest challenges in the world. That’s what’s made my whole entire career: taking big risks. I want the toughest guy out there. I want the biggest fights, and making history is what I’ve done my whole entire career. And this is no different. Netflix, Mike Tyson. It doesn’t get any bigger than this, and everyone will see on July 20th.”