Ahead of their much-anticipated showdown on Friday at AT&T Stadium in Texas, Jake Paul and Mike Tyson presented a stark contrast in personalities during their final press conference on Wednesday.
IRVING, Texas – Both Mike Tyson and Jake Paul declared they were ready for their fight at AT&T Stadium, but only one brought the sparkle to the press conference.
Paul, ever the showman, arrived with something extra blinged-out on his right ear.
“I’m not getting my (expletive) bit off on Friday night, so I got my diamond-spiked ear covers right here,” Paul said, referencing Tyson’s notorious 1997 incident where he bit off part of Evander Holyfield’s ear during their infamous match.
Tyson, however, didn’t respond to the jab—offering a sharp contrast to the more playful and animated Tyson that fans had grown used to seeing. The 58-year-old legend appeared increasingly distant as the fight looms closer.
Netflix, which will livestream the fight, also broadcasted the press conference, which marked the final media appearance before the match. The event showcased the stark differences between the two fighters.
Paul, 27, sported a black sleeveless T-shirt that sparkled with glitter and paired it with sunglasses. Confident and brash, he declared, “I fear no man, so I want him to bring that old savage Mike… I’m ready. I want the hardest match possible Friday night, and when I knock him out, I want there to be no excuses.”
Paul then locked eyes with Tyson, sitting about 15 feet apart, and taunted, “So is that what you’re going to bring, homicidal?”
Tyson, dressed in a simple black T-shirt and dark denim jacket and pants, didn’t flinch. Paul pressed on, asking if Tyson planned to bring the same violent intensity he was once known for.
But Tyson remained stoic and silent, staring straight ahead. After a long pause, he finally spoke: “I’m just ready.”
The press conference concluded with host Ariel Helwani polling the 12 other fighters on the undercard to predict the outcome of the Tyson-Paul fight. Nine chose Tyson, while three picked Paul.
Paul is the betting favorite heading into the fight.
The two will meet again at Thursday’s weigh-in before stepping into the ring Friday night in the middle of the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium.
