Boxing icon Mike Tyson has delivered a brutal reality check to social media sensation Jake Paul, claiming the YouTube star wouldn't have lasted against legendary brawlers like Butterbean during boxing's golden era.
The 57-year-old former heavyweight champion didn't mince words when assessing Paul's boxing credentials, telling the 27-year-old influencer: "You're too small to fight these guys."
The Butterbean Comparison
Tyson drew direct comparisons between Paul and Eric "Butterbean" Esch, the 400-pound knockout artist who terrorised opponents in the 1990s. "Butterbean would have killed this guy," Tyson bluntly stated during a recent interview.
The warning comes as Paul prepares for his upcoming fight against Mike Perry on July 20, followed by a November showdown with Tyson himself - though the latter remains uncertain due to Tyson's recent health scare.
A Different Era of Boxing
Tyson emphasised the vast difference between today's celebrity boxing scene and the sport's more dangerous past: "These guys couldn't have stood two rounds with the guys we fought. They would have been destroyed."
The boxing legend suggested modern fighters like Paul benefit from softer competition and more controlled environments compared to the brutal matchups of his prime.
Paul's Controversial Rise
Jake Paul has amassed a 9-1 professional record since entering the ring in 2020, though critics argue he's carefully selected opponents to build his reputation. His scheduled fight with 58-year-old Tyson has drawn particular scrutiny from boxing purists.
As the debate about Paul's legitimacy continues, Tyson's comments add fuel to the fire, questioning whether social media stars truly belong in professional boxing circles.
