Mike Tyson’s former trainer had to leave fight camp after the heavyweight legend decided to get a facial tattoo just days before the match.

After a crushing defeat to Lennox Lewis in 2002, Tyson returned to the field the following year, quickly defeating Clifford Etienne in under a minute in Memphis. But it was Tyson’s impromptu mascara that stole the headlines, commemorating the latest victory of his illustrious career.

Just three days before the fight, Tyson caused a global stir and stunned those closest to him by tattooing a Maori-inspired design on his face. His close friend and former bantamweight and featherweight world champion Jeff Fenech, who trained Tyson before the fight, believed the fight would be canceled and flew back to Australia.

“This guy just got this crazy tattoo on his face,” Fenech reported in an interview with Mirror Fighting ahead of Tyson’s November 15 fight with Jake Paul in Dallas.

“I was like, ‘How is he going to fight this fresh tattoo on his face?’ And he told me he didn’t want to fight, so I hopped on a plane and went home.”

Nevertheless, the match went on and Fenech was replaced by esteemed coach Freddie Roach. Fenech continued: “Three days later weighing in and fighting.

“Apparently [there was] pressure from [broadcasters] Showtime and promoters. He jumped into the ring, which was a huge risk, but God was on his side and he knocked out Clifford Etienne in the first round. It was great.”

Fenech has no qualms about leaving the camp, recalling: “I trained him throughout the fight, but I lost the joy of winning against him.

“I don’t regret it at all, because when he got the tattoo on his face, it was a sign for me. You don’t get a tattoo on your face three days before a fight.”

After this episode, with Tyson seemingly approaching the twilight of his career, Fenech held on to what proved to be Tyson’s curtain call in professional boxing, stepping in to stop the 2005 fight with Kevin McBride.

Reflecting on the whirlwind build-up to this fight, Fenech recalls: “He trained so well and then all of a sudden he felt like he needed a few days off, which I thought was a great idea. Then I never saw him for seven or eight days!

“It wasn’t perfect preparation, but he still fought. And the reason I stayed was because if something happened, I was going to take care of Mike. I stopped the fight.

“There were people in the corner telling me not to stop it, but I told them I was the boss and I wouldn’t let him take any more punishment. That was my priority.”

Jake Paul was warned that Mike Tyson’s mere presence could be enough to defeat him before they even stepped into the ring. Both finalists will meet on November 15 at AT&T Stadium in Texas.

The fight was originally scheduled for earlier this year, but “Iron Mike” had to withdraw due to a recurrence of ulcers in July. Despite health concerns, the 58-year-old boxing veteran says he will be ready to fight next month.

Tyson’s last professional match was in 2005, when he lost in the fifth round to Kevin McBride. However, four years ago he faced Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition match.

On the other hand, “The Problem Child”, as Paul is called, has been quite busy since his 2020 debut. In his brief career, he has already scored victories over Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley and Nate Diaz. He enters the fight with “Iron Mike” fresh off a victory over former UFC fighter Mike Perry in July.

In his prime, Tyson was renowned for his knockout power and trash-talking ability, often defeating opponents before they even entered the ring. Many believe that as one of the greatest heavyweights in boxing history, the 58-year-old can defeat Paul.

In an interview with World Boxing News, featherweight Bruce Carrington shared his thoughts on why boxing veteran Mike Tyson could surprise everyone in his upcoming fight. “Listen, man. You will never take away Mike Tyson’s power,” he said.

The 27-year-old boxer emphasized Tyson’s unique approach resulting from his extensive experience at the highest level. Carrington also pointed out that Tyson’s intimidating presence was a significant factor in the fight. “His aura alone can make you lose a fight before you even get in the ring,” he said. “Yes, that’s what Tyson says during every fight, that he’s scared or afraid – it doesn’t matter.

“Don’t be fooled, because people who fight fear are sometimes the most hazardous warriors. For example, they are extremely alert because their heart rate is very swift. They are afraid, but it makes them very focused. And sometimes they are the most hazardous warriors to fight.”

He added: “His age definitely matters, don’t get me wrong. He hasn’t been in the ring for a while while Jake Paul has been very busy… But Mike Tyson is Mike Tyson. It cannot be counted outside.”

With the fight swift approaching, some fans are skeptical that “Iron Mike” is taking his upcoming fight seriously. In an interview with Jimmy Kimmel, the boxing icon stated that he spends a grueling six hours training every day. “I train extremely difficult, I practice six hours a day. I start at 11:00 and leave the gym at 17:00,” he revealed.

Jake Paul says his father was moved to tears when he found out he would face former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in the ring. The 27-year-old is currently in the final stages of preparation for the fight, which will take place on November 15 at the ATandT Arena in Arlington, Texas, potentially in front of an audience of up to 90,000.

Paul first entered the boxing world in 2020 and has since risen to fame. His brief but impressive career includes wins over Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva and Nate Diaz, with a record of 10-1. His only defeat was last year against Tommy Fury.

Known as “The Problem Child,” Paul typically faced MMA fighters in the ring, which makes his upcoming fight with Tyson a unique challenge. “Iron Mike” hasn’t competed in a professional match since losing to Kevin McBride in 2005, although he did compete in an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. four years ago.

Tyson, considered a heavyweight boxing legend, is a reason for many to be concerned about fighting a fighter 31 years younger than him.

At the press conference, Paul said: “Making history. That’s what I mean, man. I’m a kid from Ohio. They never give me credit. That’s how it is. water, they would say it’s because I can’t swim. And that means making history. People think I’m going to get knocked out by this forceful, powerful guy.

“All the people in my comments are saying, ‘Look at his strength. He’s about to get knocked out.» Fighting someone as fierce as Mike required risk. This is what art is all about.

What’s more, “The Problem Child” sees the fight as an honor and admits that even his father, Greg, cried when he heard about the fight with his childhood hero, Mike Tyson.

In a candid moment shared Illustrated sportshe said: “It’s an honor for me. It’s a win for both sides. I can’t believe it. My dad’s favorite fighter growing up is Mike Tyson. My dad cried when I told him about this possibility.”

He noted: “For me it’s a surreal and iconic moment. The second main event will be Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano. We rank women’s boxing among the most watched events in history and, overall, it’s a win, but of course as you climb to the top of the ladder, the windier it gets. So there will be more critics, but that’s the nature of people and that’s what it is.

“The Problem Child” has carefully studied Tyson’s previous fights and suspects that Tyson will try to “trace me on the ropes and then get angled punches from both sides.”

When asked about his strategy, Paul revealed: “Just box on the outside and then employ my footwork to be more agile, get him chasing me and then attack him when he’s out of position. This should frustrate him.”