“This is called an exhibition, but if you look up exhibition, you won’t see any of the laws we’re fighting under,” Tyson noted.

“This is a fight. I don’t think he’s faster than me. I’ve seen a YouTube video of him at [age] 16 doing weird dancing. That’s not the guy I’m fighting.

“This is a guy who’s really going to try and hurt me, which I’m accustomed to, and he’s going to be greatly mistaken. Right now, I’m scared to death. As the fight gets closer, the less nervous I become because it’s reality, and in reality I’m invincible.”

Joshua’s remarks

The age disparity between the two men, with Tyson at 58 and Paul considerably younger, raised concerns among commissions, leading to the match not being sanctioned as a professional fight. Nonetheless, with the event given the green light, Joshua has voiced his belief that Paul holds the edge over Tyson.

“I personally think it’s really good,” Joshua said.

“I think the boxing hardcore don’t like it because they think, ‘Why are they disrespecting our sport? [And] I think that person brings all these people into boxing, which benefits everyone else. Everyone viewing helps. He’s [Mike Tyson] older now. I pray that he comes out healthy. I think Jake Paul because of youth – that’s the only thing.”