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Jake Paul has said he felt “numb” when Mike Tyson pulled out of their fight earlier this year before the fight was rescheduled.

YouTube star Paul has gone 10-1 as a professional boxer in recent years, and his next challenge comes against Tyson, considered one of the greatest heavyweight champions in the history of the sport.

Paul, 27, and Tyson were set to fight in July, but the 58-year-old pulled out after health concerns in May. “Iron Mike” had experienced a flare-up of an ulcer during a flight and the fight was postponed until November 15.

As the fight approaches, Netflix has produced a documentary about the controversial match, which the streaming platform will broadcast live next week.

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“When I got the news that he was out and couldn’t fight, I was just numb,” Paul said in the documentary. Countdown: Paul vs. Tyson.

“I was like, ‘f***…’ I’m the type of person who likes a schedule and likes to know what I’m doing. This just threw a spanner in the works. I couldn’t do anything about it, it was beyond my control.

“No one can tell Mike Tyson what to do, and if he wants to fight me, of course I’ll say yes. This is the chance of a lifetime to fight one of the two most famous boxers ever: Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson.

“I consider Mike Tyson a killer, so I never really expected something like this.”

Tyson last fought professionally in 2005, although he defeated Roy Jones Jr. only boxed in an exhibition fight in 2020.

His clash with Paul will be an officially sanctioned pro fight, scheduled for eight two-minute rounds, with knockouts allowed. The game will take place at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas.

When Tyson pulled out of the July fight date, Paul was pitted against Mike Perry, a bare-knuckle boxer and former UFC fighter. Paul won via knockout in the sixth round.

Many of Paul’s fights have come against former UFC fighters, including Perry, Nate Diaz, Ben Askren and ex-champions Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley. He defeated Diaz and Silva on points, knocked out Askren and defeated Woodley twice – via decision and then via KO.

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Paul’s only loss came in early 2023 against Tommy Fury – half-brother of heavyweight Tyson Fury. Tommy, an influencer and boxer, won by decision.

Paul has two victories over professional boxers, although they are lesser known fighters: Ryan Bourland and Andre August, both of whom Paul has knocked out in the last twelve months.