Due to health issues, Mike Tyson was unable to fight on July 20, leading to speculation that Jake Paul would wait for a future opportunity to face the legendary heavyweight on a Netflix card.
Instead of waiting, Paul opted to fight UFC veteran Mike Perry, a formidable opponent known for his knockout power and success in BKFC.
Even analysts like Dan Hardy were surprised by Paul’s decision to risk his Tyson fight by taking on Perry.
Hardy expressed concern that Perry’s ferocity and striking ability could pose a significant challenge for Paul in the upcoming match.
Perry has found success in bare-knuckle boxing with a perfect record, including wins over notable opponents like Luke Rockhold and Eddie Alvarez.
Hardy warned Paul to take the match against Perry seriously, as Perry’s intensity and aggression could be unlike anything Paul has faced before.
The analyst emphasized Perry’s animalistic approach to fighting, underscoring the need for Paul to be prepared for the pressure he will face in the ring.
With Perry presenting a unique challenge compared to Paul’s past opponents, Hardy stressed the importance of Paul being ready for the fight.
If Paul underestimates Perry, he could face unexpected difficulties in the match, according to Hardy.
Hardy acknowledged that Perry poses a different level of threat compared to Paul’s previous opponents from the MMA world.
Paul must be fully prepared to face Perry’s style of fighting to avoid a rude awakening in the ring.
Hardy pointed out that while a victory over Tyson may bring attention and financial rewards, defeating a fighter like Perry could be a more significant accomplishment for Paul.
Despite Tyson’s status as a legend, Hardy emphasized that beating him now would not hold the same weight as defeating a prime Tyson.
The analyst cautioned that defeating an aging Tyson would not bring Paul the same level of recognition as a victory over a more competitive opponent like Perry.