Jake Paul claims Netflix request for upcoming fight came from opponent Mike Tyson
As the date of their clash in the ring looms nearer, Jake Paul is making a point of stomping out any speculation regarding who wanted the fight to be a professional boxing match.
The Problem Child, 27, will face off against Mike Tyson at the AT&T Stadium in Texas on 20 July while millions of people tune in via Netflix, in what is set to be a battle that nobody wants to miss.
The fact that Paul will be fighting the legendary sportsman just a few weeks after he turns 58 has been a big talking point, especially as doctors warned a brawl could be 'devastating' for the baddest man on the planet.
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Boxing fans have also been having a good debate about the rules for the clash - such as it having eight two minute rounds, with Tyson calling it 'an exhibition' but promising that viewers will be in for a proper fight.
The pair will also sport gloves which are more padded than usual, bringing them up to 14oz, rather than the typical 10oz, and they won't be wearing headgear.
Despite these changes, Texas authorities sanctioned the event as a professional boxing match - meaning that it will go on both Paul and Tyson's professional records forever.
Fans aren't too happy about the rules laid out for the Netflix battle though, as they reckon they might be served up a glorified 'sparring session' rather than a bloody brawl.
The famous fighters have both agreed to the modified rules which were announced earlier this week, but the YouTube star doesn't want to take the blame for them.
During an episode of his BS podcast, the former Vine star pinned it all on his opponent and said: "Yep, all his [Tyson's] rules. I agreed to all his rules.
"I just want to make it clear, Mike Tyson is the one who wanted it to be a pro fight.
"I said to Nakisa [Paul's business partner and manager], if that is what Mike wants, then that's fine, but make sure if you tell Mike that there is no holding back. Whatever happens, happens and this is war now."
Paul went on to say that he wasn't sure if his opponent could handle the idea of being beaten.
The boxer continued: "If he puts me down, I can deal with that, but if I put him down, he needs to be the one making the decision on whether or not he can deal with that.
"Now that it's a pro fight and it's on my record and I'm going to put him down, and if people are p***ed about it, then watch soccer. Go watch some volleyball, don't watch boxing."
Although he talks a good talk, Paul did admit that it being a professional boxing match 'makes it real, makes it war'.
The American added: "He's a killer too and the fact that he wanted it...I think he wants to end my a** and put me in the dirt. To make a statement to all of boxing that he is and was, all of things and is still the baddest man on the planet.
"That he can still get in there at this age and put down the young buck."
Paul was eight-years-old the last time Tyson fought a professional bout, as the then-38-year-old picking up his sixth career loss to Kevin McBride in 2005.
Tyson's publicist, Joann Mignano, said the sporting icon was 'happy with the two-minute rounds because it gives Jake less of an opportunity to run around'.
I guess only time will tell with these two.
Topics: Jake Paul, Mike Tyson, Boxing, Sport, Netflix
Olivia Burke