A lot of us were scratching our heads: at 58, with a thriving business empire and a legendary career behind him, why would former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson decide to step into the ring with YouTube star Jake Paul? What’s left for him to prove? Tyson’s got a legacy that young fighters dream of, and his name is globally recognized. So, what’s the deal with fighting Paul? Is he just bored, or does he have a little something to prove after all these years?

Luckily for everyone who is plagued by the same questions, the 58-year-old has shared his thought process and drive to fight ‘The Problem Child.’ While appearing in an interview with sports journalist and TV personality Stephen A. Smith, ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’ revealed that money was not the driving force behind his decision. Instead, it was something far greater—something the warrior inside Tyson had been yearning for, lurking beneath the surface while he hid behind the veil of normal life. 

“I could use a buck like everybody else, but this money, believe it or not, is not going to change my lifestyle. [I will be] able to do what I’m normally able to do if I didn’t have this fight,” Tyson said when asked why he was fighting Paul. The duo will lock horns on November 15th at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, for an eight-two-minute-round fight, sanctioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations. 

While there is no official word on how much Tyson or Paul would be making from the fight, during Tyson’s recent appearance on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live,’ Kimmel alluded to a price tag for the heavyweight champion. “I know you’re making a lot of money … at least $20 million or something like that,” Kimmel said. Other than that, during the August press conference for the fight, Paul said, “I’m here to make $40 million and knock out a legend.” This could potentially mean Paul and Tyson are paid a 1:1 purse, making the entire purse somewhere in the vicinity of $80 million. 

Get the EssentiallySports Daily Newsletter. Stay ahead of the game with daily updates, exclusive stories, expert takes, and the biggest moments from the world's most popular sports.

“Just the fact this is what I want to do. I want to get out of my comfort zone and I want to test myself. Whatever I’m afraid to do, I do. That’s just my mentality. If I’m afraid to do something, I do it,” Mike Tyson told Smith. The former heavyweight champion last appeared in the ring against Roy Jones Jr. back in 2020—a fight that gave a glimpse of Mike Tyson’s persistent aggression and power. Despite clear dominance from Tyson, it was declared a draw.

Professionally, the gap between Tyson’s trips to the ring is even more extravagant, having last fought Kevin McBride in 2005. Back then, his take on fighting was very different. After losing to McBride by a 6th-round stoppage, Tyson said, “Well, I would like to continue, but I saw that I was getting beat on. I realized I don’t think I have it anymore because I have the ability to stay in shape, but I don’t have the fighting guts.”

This would make anyone wonder: What changed? Was he not afraid to continue? Or is it something about Jake Paul that convinced him to accept the challenge years later? 

Mike Tyson reveals why he chose Jake Paul

Speaking to Tyson, Smith probed him about why he chose Paul for his return professionally. “I think he came a long way as a fighter,” Tyson said. “From when he first showed himself on the Roy Jones Jr. vs. Mike Tyson card [against NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Champion Nate Robinson], he built himself up to be quite of a sensation.” So, Tyson feels he should be the one to “finish him.”

When asked whether he feels any pressure to win the upcoming bout, Tyson claimed he is in great condition and has been training 8 rounds every day of the week, noting, “I’m ready.” He explained that he was not looking at the bout as “I’m some old guy that’s decrepit going to fight this young guy. I’m fighting a guy with 10 fights… I think I can handle the situation.”

That being said, Mike Tyson seems to be looking to test himself in the upcoming fight. While this makes sense given his successful business ventures, one has to wonder, is it really worth the risk? What do you think about Tyson’s statement?