Legendary heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson is facing an unexpected foe – pre-fight nerves. Despite his unmatched career record of 50 wins in 58 fights, Mike Tyson recently confessed to Sean Hannity on his show that he's feeling "scared to death" about his upcoming exhibition match with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.

The July 20th bout at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas has generated significant buzz, but also raised eyebrows due to the stark contrast between the fighters. Tyson, 57, hasn't stepped into the ring competitively since a draw against Roy Jones Jr. in December 2020. Meanwhile, Paul, a mere 27 years old, boasts a 9-1 professional boxing record.

Tyson's concern likely stems from the combination of his age and recent mobility issues. However, he maintains that this fear is a natural part of his pre-fight routine.

"I have a weird personality – I don't think it's weird though," Tyson explained. "Whatever I'm afraid to do, I do it. That's how it is."

He referenced a similar feeling before his 2020 exhibition, stating, "I was afraid of the Roy [Jones Jr.] fight... I was 100 pounds overweight... but I said 'Let's do it.'"

Tyson's vulnerability is a compelling twist in the narrative surrounding this fight. While training videos showcase Mike Tyson in a impressive conditioning, Jake Paul himself might be re-evaluating his opponent's capabilities.

"I always believed that adversity and nervousness pretty much catapulted me into success," Tyson said. "If I didn't have these feelings, I wouldn't go into this fight... As the fight gets closer, the less nervous I become, because it's reality. And in reality, I'm invincible."

Despite acknowledging Paul's boxing experience, Tyson remains focused: "I saw a YouTube of him at 16 doing weird dances. That's not the guy I'm gonna be fighting," he said. "This guy's gonna come, he's gonna try to hurt me, which I'm accustomed to, and he's gonna be greatly mistaken."

Will Tyson conquer his fear and prove his invincibility, or will Paul pull off a major upset? The highly anticipated bout promises an evening of fireworks, regardless of the outcome.

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Image credit of @miketyson