YouTube star turned professional boxer Jake Paul is training intensively for his upcoming fight against former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. These preparations required a jump to the heavyweight division, which, as the 27-year-old admits, resulted in some unforeseen challenges.

Paul said TMZ Sports how the increased mass improved his technique and strength in the ring, but also significantly reduced his speed when it came to cardio workouts. “Yes, there is definitely a little more power, but I think the most crucial thing is to fight in the clinches and not get pushed around by some of the heavier heavyweights,” he said.

“But definitely when I run, I’m a lot slower. I feel like a rhinoceros or something. It’s definitely harder to run.”

In preparation for the anticipated match, Paul gained weight to 230 pounds to compete with Tyson on the scale. In his last two wins, he went from 183 pounds to 200 pounds.

On ‘BS podcast‘, Paul revealed his strategy of gaining weight before stripping off to augment his pace. “I’m just growing. I think I’ll get to 240 and probably go down, so I’ll be much faster.

“But if I’m training for this camp – and the camp hasn’t started yet – but if I’m training for this camp at 240 and then I go down to 220, it’s basically like I’m wearing a 20-pound weight vest the whole time. This will make my muscles much stronger and my speed will augment.”

In a fiery exchange, Tyson didn’t hold back on his thoughts on Paul’s weight gain for the upcoming fight, stating: “I don’t know if he’s in his prime, he’s fat. He’s supposed to be lean and mean, he’s fat and nippy I saw him shirtless the other day, he’s fat! Tyson noted.

Despite the criticism, Paul insists the extra weight is part of his strategy to ensure Tyson doesn’t physically dominate him in the ring. “So we sparred with weighty weights, eating more food,” he explained.

Paul is confident his increased size will translate into results, saying: “Mike Tyson called me fat, but I believe the fat will turn into muscle and come fight night. I believe I will be able to move and dance around the ring like a heavyweight.”

Aware of the enormity of the challenge, Paul admitted that the confrontation with Tyson would be the toughest test of his career so far. “Yes, absolutely. The move to heavyweight, Mike Tyson’s strength, his experience, his perseverance, the veteran tricks he will perform, the stage,” he admitted.

He also talked about the pressure of the event being streamed on Netflix: “Fighting in the stadium on Netflix, I’ll have to really manage my nerves and emotions well. This is my ultimate test of war skills and I’m excited.”

Despite the verbal sparring, Paul realizes the importance of the fight with Tyson, calling it “the biggest moment of his life.”

Recalling his journey, he said at a news conference in Up-to-date York: “Well, here we are. The biggest moment of my life, the biggest stage. From Vine to the stadium. 80,000 people, breaking records.”

“The highest gate in history is a testament to demanding work. Sacrifice, manifestation, self-confidence. For me, it’s just a surreal, full-circle moment. Dallas was the first place I went to meet fans when I was 17 years ancient on Vine.”