MIKE TYSON has confirmed his interest in fighting Jake Paul and plans to speak with the YouTuber on the phone.
Paul revealed to SunSport that heavyweight legend Tyson is his No1 choice of opponent next.
And while in conversation on Bill Maher's podcast, the reformed Baddest Man on The Planet gave it the green light.
Tyson, 55, said: "I’m going to call him sometime on Friday and we’re going to talk."
Asked if he would accept the fight, he replied: "Absolutely."
Tyson had a shock comeback fight in 2020, drawing over eight-rounds against fellow boxing icon Roy Jones Jr, 53.
Read More boxing stories
The best free bets and sign up offers available from our bookmaker partners
Bieber having boxing lessons and can be ‘next Jake Paul’ after Cruise beef
But Iron Mike later lost interest in a second fight to avoid hangers-on looking to profit from him.
That was until YouTuber-turned boxer Paul called out the youngest heavyweight champion in history.
The celebrity prizefighter is only 5-0 himself, most recently knocking out Tyron Woodley in December, after beating him on points before.
It added to KOs over gamer 'AnEsonGib', ex-NBA player Nate Robinson, 37, and retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren, 37.
Most read in Boxing
BELIEB IT'S TRUE Bieber having boxing lessons and can be 'next Jake Paul' after Cruise beef
Tyson says how Canelo lost to Bivol & way he can win rematch in punch bag demo
Retired Tyson Fury spotted leaving cafe in beloved Morecambe after morning run
Tyson Fury won't be forced into retirement update, says Frank Warren
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Paul, 25, is set to return on August 13 for his sixth professional bout having not yet faced a recognised boxer.
But Tyson talked up the American and warned not to judge a book by its cover.
He said: "I don't even look at him the way, I can't even say what they call him.
"Yeah, he's a fighter.But they don't want to credit him as being a fighter. Because he's f***ing white with blue eyes and blonde hair.
"I don't know, white people hate blue eyes and blonde hair, everybody wants to kill them.
"But he can fight. That's his thing, everybody wants to kick his ass. Every nationality wants to kick his ass.
"He p***es everybody off. But he's a great salesman, great, great salesman. He's a great promoter and he doesn't even know it."
Source: Read Full Article