Jake Paul is never one to shy away from a challenge, and in his latest verbal sparring match, the YouTube sensation-turned-professional boxer has thrown down the gauntlet to none other than boxing legend Mike Tyson. In a provocative statement that’s already creating waves in the combat sports world, Paul declared that Tyson wouldn’t be able to land a punch on him, and therefore, couldn’t knock him out.

“I’m too fast, too elusive for someone like Mike Tyson,” Paul said during a recent interview. “If he can’t hit me, he can’t knock me out. Simple as that.” Paul, who has built a reputation for calling out high-profile fighters, including former UFC champions and other boxers, made it clear that he believes Tyson’s power—though legendary—is no match for his own agility in the ring.

Tyson, 58, has not fought professionally since 2005, but his reputation as one of the most fearsome punchers in boxing history still carries significant weight. The former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world was known for his brutal knockout ability and unrelenting aggression, earning him the nickname “Iron Mike.” Despite his years of retirement, Tyson’s comments about “slaughtering” Paul in a potential fight had previously set the stage for what could be one of the most talked-about matchups in combat sports.

However, Jake Paul is unfazed by Tyson’s threats. The 26-year-old former YouTuber-turned-boxer, who has steadily improved his boxing technique with each fight, insists that his speed and evasiveness are key factors that would allow him to outclass Tyson in the ring. “I respect Mike Tyson for what he did in his prime, but I’m a completely different fighter than the guys he fought. The sport has evolved, and so have I,” Paul continued, emphasizing his belief that Tyson’s style would be outdated against a young and quick fighter like himself.

Paul’s confidence isn’t without merit. Since entering the professional boxing scene in 2020, he has remained undefeated with a record of 7-0 (6 KOs), although his opponents have mostly consisted of former athletes from other sports or social media influencers. His most notable victories have come against former MMA stars like Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley, but he’s yet to face a truly elite boxer, much less someone with Tyson’s legacy.

The back-and-forth between Paul and Tyson has quickly become one of the most entertaining narratives in combat sports. Tyson, who’s been largely inactive since his exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020, has hinted at a potential return to the ring for the right fight. Meanwhile, Jake Paul continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in his boxing career, refusing to back down from any challenge.

While a potential bout between Tyson and Paul remains speculative at this point, it’s clear that both men are eager to see who would come out on top in a battle of contrasting styles. For now, fans are left to wonder whether Tyson’s iconic power can overcome Paul’s speed and elusiveness—or whether the brash YouTuber’s predictions of victory will prove to be more than just talk.