Mike Tyson's opinion of Jake Paul speaks volumes as details of why fight collapsed emerge

Mike Tyson is set to take on Jake Paul next month, and the boxing icon has admitted his true feelings towards the abrasive and assertive ex-YouTuber

Mike Tyson admitted he has a soft spot for Jake Paul - even though he wants to hurt him.

The 58-year-old boxing legend is gearing up to face the Ohio-born YouTuber-turned-boxer on November 15. While many in the boxing world have expressed disdain for the fight, 90,000 people at the AT&T Arena are still expected to watch it.

With a significant age difference of 31 years, there are widespread concerns about Tyson's health and safety, particularly because their contest will count towards their own boxing records. While many are worried for Tyson, the former world champion's recent comments suggest people should spare some concern for Paul.

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On "Jimmy Kimmel Live," Tyson discussed his feelings about the controversial former YouTuber. He said: "I like him but in this particular fight he has to go. I don't look at this like it's going to be an easy right. This guy is going to be prepared, but I'm prepared for it sure."

Addressing the notion that Paul might be intimidated by the prospect of fighting him, Tyson added: "Well, that's part of fighting, I'm nervous too. But the closer it gets to the fight, the least nervous I get.

"I'm training extremely hard. I start at 11am and I might leave the gym at 5pm. When I finish doing my boxing sessions, I'll get a massage for an hour and then I go into strength and conditioning."

The fight was previously delayed due to Tyson suffering a stomach ulcer, which led doctors to advise against the match with the ex-Disney actor. Now, with Tyson declaring his ulcer issues resolved and his diet under control, he asserts that he's ready to face Paul.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: "I can't escape the vapes" and acknowledged that he was "doing too much bad food and stuff, and I got sick".

With the upcoming fight impacting his record of 50 wins, 44 by knockout, and six losses, there's speculation on how it might affect his legacy. Tyson, however, is unfazed. He added: "I didn't take this fight for legacy.

"I think legacy really, to my perspective, legacy is ego. Who gives a f*** how people think about them when they are gone? I'm dead. I can't value off what somebody might think about me when I'm dead, so it means nothing to me."