Mike Tyson believes he can beat Jake Paul despite potential health risks.
Tyson was expected to meet Paul this weekend, but has since delayed the contest until November 15 after a 'stomach ulcer flared' preventing him from training.
2
The heavyweight legend is 58 and there are serious concerns over his health as he prepares to step in the ring in a sanctioned professional bout.
Despite many questioning his motivation, 'Iron Mike' believes he has what it takes to beat the influencer given his ferocious and powerful skillset.
He told Esquire: "Can I be honest? I don’t think he can hurt me. And I’m a glory junkie. I love people thinking about me all day.
"I’d rather live a short life of glory than a long life of obscurity. It’s just who I am.
Read More In Boxing
“This is all I started fighting for - to get all this f***ing status. I’m going to be chasing it for the rest of my life, I know that.
"I’m never going to get what I want, because I’m one of those gluttons for pain. I can never get enough.”
Boxers regularly struggle to deal with life after retiring from boxing, and Tyson is keen to still be involved in the sport.
The legend had a glittering heavyweight career and will go down as one of the greatest to have ever laced up a pair of gloves.
2
But he is far from his prime and has endured several medical issues in recent years.
Tyson suffers from sciatica and has been seen using a walking stick in the past.
Most read in Boxing
Jake Paul's manager defends Mike Tyson age gap with Conor McGregor comparison
It could be a sad ending for the heavyweight icon's career if he is to be knocked out by Paul.
Several legends have failed in returns including ex-rival Roy Jones Jr who was outpointed by ex-MMA fighter Anthony Pettis.
Tyson's most famous foe Evander Holyfield was also dropped and beaten by Vitor Belfort in an exhibition return at a similar age.
But Paul believes Tyson has earned the right to make his own decisions and take his own risk.
“I view it as, say it to Mike Tyson’s face and see what he does to you," Paul added.
“We aren’t Mike Tyson’s dad. We don’t control Mike Tyson. He’s his own boss.
Read More on talkSPORT
"If he wants to go in there and make tens of millions of dollars, and potentially end my run, then who are we to stop him?
"This guy has been doing this his whole entire life. He’s a natural-born killer, and this is what he loves, and maybe this is what he needs."
Boxing WhatsApp channel
Get the latest fight news, reaction and the best opinion from talkSPORT pundits in our Boxing WhatsApp channel.
Follow our Boxing channel HERE.