Butterbean has cast doubt on Mike Tyson’s readiness to step into the ring with Jake Paul next month.
The 58-year-old ex-professional boxer, real name Eric Esch, has been incredibly vocal in his criticism of ‘Iron’ Mike’s forthcoming clash with the ‘Problem Child’, scheduled for November 15 at the AT&T Arena in Arlington, Texas – previously branding the event a “scam” and claiming the pair are “never gonna fight”.
Over the weekend, the knockout specialist with a record of 77-10-4, raised new concerns about Tyson’s condition, telling AL.com: “I saw Mike about three weeks ago, and he looked pregnant.” He then confidently asserted: “I would knock him out. He has no chin. The problem with those who have lost to Tyson is they didn’t challenge him.”
Originally, Paul and Tyson were slated to face off on July 20, but health issues forced the ex-heavyweight world champion to withdraw. In response, YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul engaged in an impromptu match with UFC fighter turned bare-knuckle brawler, Mike Perry, reports the Mirror.
Paul improved his tally to 10-1 after stopping ‘Platinum’ Perry in the sixth round and has now refocused on Tyson, who was once considered one of the most formidable fighters globally. Tyson boasts an impressive professional record from 1985 to 2005 of 50-6-2(NC) with 44 KOs, having defeated top-tier opponents to secure his legendary status.
A year after his professional debut, he defeated Trevor Berbick to claim the WBC heavyweight title and then added the WBA strap to his collection the following year with a unanimous decision victory over James Smith. Tyson secured the IBF title in the same year by outpointing Tony Tucker.
Tyson’s illustrious career boasts victories over notable names such as Frank Bruno, Michael Spinks, Carl Williams and Bruce Seldon. However, past his prime, the brawler hasn’t participated in a professional boxing match since his defeat to Kevin McBride in 2005 – only making a comeback for an exhibition match with Roy Jones Jr in 2020 which ended in a draw after eight rounds.
On the other hand, Paul has made quite a name for himself in the professional boxing world since his debut against fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib four years ago. The 27-year-old sibling of Logan Paul has faced and overcome tough competition like UFC stars Ben Askren, Nate Diaz, Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva. His only defeat was handed to him by Tommy Fury last February.
Butterbean has been extremely outspoken about his desire to fight Paul in recent years, having shed nearly 16 stone in anticipation of one final showdown in the ring. He first challenged Paul in March 2022, before reiterating his offer months later, stating that the youngster “runs his mouth too much”.
In July 2024, Esch offered Paul a high-stakes £1.5million winner-takes-all fight, before questioning the boxer’s commitment the following month: “Are we gonna do this or what?” Esch has also expressed interest in facing Tyson, telling Chris Van Vliet: “I’m not trash-talking, I like Mike Tyson. But he’s actually small, he’s not a big guy.
“He’s powerful, I have no doubt! The reason me and Tyson would be a good fight, Tyson wouldn’t be afraid. He’d come right at me, we’d go to the centre of the ring and we’d beat the s*** out of each other. It would be a hell of a fight to watch.”