Jake Paul’s recent interview about his upcoming fight with Mike Tyson took a contentious turn over six blunt words. Despite their prior camaraderie and shared history, Paul’s comments have ignited controversy ahead of their anticipated bout.

The relationship between Paul and Tyson dates back years, with Tyson, a former undisputed heavyweight world boxing champion, even featuring in one of Paul’s rap videos. Both have participated in separate exhibition bouts during the COVID-era boxing shows, setting the stage for their upcoming clash.

Scheduled for July 20 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, their fight is expected to draw massive attention, but it has also sparked intense debate within the boxing community, drawing criticism from influential figures like Stephen A. Smith.

In a recent interview with sports reporter Safid Deen at the Miami Grand Prix, Paul expressed his “honor” to share the ring with Tyson, acknowledging the significant age gap between them. Despite being born between Tyson’s historic fights against Evander Holyfield, Paul asserted his determination to “end him” in their upcoming match.

Paul’s stark declaration that “one of us has to die” during the fight has stirred controversy, with many viewing it as an inflammatory statement. While expressing respect for Tyson as a legend, Paul emphasized the necessity of approaching the fight as a battle where everything is at stake.

The comments have drawn mixed reactions, with some questioning the appropriateness of Paul’s rhetoric and others acknowledging the intense competitive spirit inherent in professional boxing. Regardless, Paul’s words have added fuel to the anticipation surrounding the event and intensified the spotlight on the upcoming showdown between two polarizing figures in the sports world.