Mike Tyson says he will return to the ring and fight Jake Paul – but only for $1 billion.
It was reported back in January that Paul was in 'advanced talks' over fighting former world heavyweight champion Tyson. In fact, reports suggested the huge clash was set to be staged in Las Vegas, and would be worth £36 million.
A source close to Tyson told The Sun: "Mike and Jake are on board for an exhibition bout in Las Vegas.
"A verbal deal has been struck to get it on, but like all forms of sports business, now it's all about the contracts and money split.
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"Mike is looking for a certain figure to get into the ring with a profit share guarantee.
"Jake obviously has that on his mind but is keen to show the world that stepping into the ring with a man once called the baddest man on the planet, takes his boxing career to the next level.
"This fight bridges the gap between old school boxing fans and the new generation of followers."
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It may have been suggested that figure of £36 million was being discussed between the two parties but two months on, Tyson has played down those reported talks on his Hotboxin' with Mike Tyson podcast.
When asked about those 'advanced talks' to fight Paul, the 55-year-old played the story down. He said: "Nobody told me that. Hey, I ain't got no f***ing money. So where's the f***ing contract.
"I ain't know nothing about it. Listen, I've been smoking with him forever, I did some shrooms with him as well. But I've never heard this.
"I was with him in St Barts not too long ago partying and he never told me this. I've never heard this from nobody, I've just heard this from you guys.
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"We got to get some more man s***, blue-eyed, blonde hair, that s*** is very expensive, we need to get some more money, man."
Tyson was then asked how much it would take to get back in the ring and fight again. He replied: “A billion bucks.”
You can see that episode below.
Back in January, Paul confirmed that no negotiations had taken place between his team and Tyson, but admitted he would be down to fight the former heavyweight champ.
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"It's not real. I would fight him, though, but there were never any discussions about that," he told The MMA Hour.
"He said it himself, I saw him in St Barts on New Year's and it was very cordial. We took a picture together... he's a friend.
"If we were to fight, it would be weird. I don't know if I'd want that but there have been no discussions."
Topics: Boxing, Jake Paul, Mike Tyson
Jack Kenmare