Jake Paul justifies decision to train at Mike Tyson's former gym ahead of fight (2024)

Jake Paul will take on Mike Tyson in a professional boxing match on July 20, with the YouTuber turned boxer paying a visit to the iconic Gleason's Gym ahead of the bout

Gleason's Gym, a place that helped achieve world championship statuses for Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali, is recognised globally as a breeding ground for boxing talent.

The oldest active gym in America, owned by Hall of Famer Bruce Silverglade, Gleason's has been the training camp for a whopping 136 world champions. When presented with his most formidable box office challenge to date in the form of Tyson scheduled on July 20, Jake Paul opted to absorb the culture and history at Gleason's himself.

Speaking to Mirror Sport, Silverglade revealed Paul's unexpected but welcome visit to the iconic gym for training. With Paul returning to the Big Apple for the initial press conference preceding his face-off with Tyson, it became the opportune moment to enquire about this experience.

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In what some may call audacious, Jake dared to tread within 'Mike's House' prior to facing 'The Baddest Man on the Planet'. Nevertheless, Paul's actions have signalled immense respect ahead of the impending bout.

"Yeah I've been to Gleason's a couple of times and I think it's just cool to connect with some of the routes and beginnings of the legendary boxing specifically here in New York," Paul shared with Mirror Sport on Monday, amid a press briefing in Harlem.

"But I'm a student of the game and it's cool to be in those environments where legendary practices and training have happened. I've always done that popping up in different gyms all across the world."

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From fighting fellow influencers as an internet personality himself, Paul has had quite an unconventional journey into boxing. However, this quickly transitioned into challenging reputable MMA fighters, but with the odds largely stacked in his favour due to boxing not being their typical domain.

Now boasting nine wins and just one loss in his career, at 27 years old, Paul continues to gain respect amongst the boxing community. His popularity grew even more after his split-decision defeat to Tommy Fury, Tyson's brother, which allowed him to showcase his boxing talent against a worthy adversary.

However, his biggest challenge yet comes in the form of Tyson, an icon synonymous with boxing who has knocked out 44 opponents during his illustrious career and achieved 50 wins. The bout marks Tyson's first competitive return to boxing since 2005, consisting of eight two-minute rounds designed to keep the action flowing.

Despite having the fitness advantage due to the 30-year age gap, Paul will unprecedentedly step up to the heavyweight category for this fight, adding extra limelight to the event. As one solid hit from Tyson could end the fight, to prepare adequately for the heavyweight class, Paul found it necessary to train at the legendary Gleason's gym.

The 27-year-old may be a divisive figure in the boxing world, but he certainly made a positive impression on Gleason's Gym owner Silverglade. "Young kids went over to him and he was very polite, signed autographs, and took pictures, as most boxers do. Most boxers are great. So Jake Paul was very typical... Boxers are different," Silverglade shared with Mirror Sport.

"Totally down-to-earth, and good people. Jake Paul appeared to be that way when he was in here. And I know for a fact that Mike is. Mike has always been a total gentleman at Gleason's Gym."

Silverglade, who has spent a lifetime in boxing and received Hall of Fame honors for his contributions, acknowledges the impact Paul has had on the sport. Since bursting onto the scene, Paul has inspired thousands of youngsters to take up boxing and has been a catalyst for change.

In a groundbreaking move, Paul's upcoming fight with Tyson will be streamed live on Netflix, marking the first time the streaming service has ventured into broadcasting a combat sports event. This follows Netflix's deal to become the new home of WWE from 2025.

They also secured rights to stream NFL games on Christmas Day, further expanding their sports coverage. Netflix's foray into sports broadcasting continues with the Paul-Tyson fight, a deal brokered with Most Valuable Promotions, which Paul himself co-founded.

Despite mixed opinions from boxing enthusiasts, it's clear that Paul has garnered respect from industry veterans like Silverglade. "I don't know a lot about him. I appreciate what he's done," said Silverglade. "A lot of people say 'Well he's not good for the sport'. Contrary, I say. I think he's very good for the sport. He brings a lot of publicity. He found his way to make money so kudos to him. So good job."