Padded body protectors are no match for Mike Tyson's fists.
A newly released video shows trainer Rafael Cordeiro annoyingly spitting out fluid after absorbing two punches from former heavyweight champion Tyson during a training session.
“Mike only knows one speed, and that's 100 percent full speed,” said Billy White, who helps Tyson train and was seen in the video. “He'll be there full speed ahead on July 20th.”
Tyson, 57, is scheduled to face Jake Paul, 27, on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys.
White said the video footage released by FightHub TV was taken during a four-day training session at a martial arts academy in Arizona in mid-March.
Cordeiro, who trained Tyson for an exhibition fight with Roy Jones Jr. in 2020, was captured on video grimacing during mitt work during a training session last month in Arizona.
“Mike has obviously always been known as the baddest guy on the planet,” White told USA TODAY Sports. “Rafael is the worst trainer on the planet. He can handle things that few others can.”
Cordeiro did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
remove rust
What the video doesn't capture: Tyson's transformation in 2020.
Tyson said he was 100 pounds overweight when he began training for his exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020. He weighed 222 pounds for the bout, and the eight-round bout ended in a draw as scored by three celebrity judges.
By contrast, White said Tyson weighed 226 pounds when he began training to fight Paul last month.
“So weight is not an issue,” said White, who boxed with Tyson under famed trainer Cus D'Amato. “We're removing the rust. You know what that's going to be like.”
White said Tyson will resume training in Las Vegas on Monday after vacationing in Florida, where he lives with his family. Tyson also has a home in Las Vegas.
After spending four days in Arizona last month, Tyson returned to Las Vegas and continued training up to five times a day, White said.
“Yes, it's the old-fashioned way,” White said. “But at the same time, there's a new school involved. And it's beautiful to look at and beautiful to look at.”
What's next?
This game is listed on AT&T Stadium's official events calendar. Neither fighter camp has indicated that the event is in danger of being canceled.
“As far as I know, everything is locked down,” Joe Trahan, director of media relations and corporate communications for the Dallas Cowboys, told USA TODAY Sports. “I haven't heard anything else.”
But strictly speaking, this fight has not been authorized.
This must be done by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
“The promoter has requested that the event be held on that date, but we have not received the proposed (fight) card, so we do not have details about what they are planning,” said Tera, TDLR's public relations director. Manzi told USA TODAY Sports in an email. . “All matches are subject to review and approval by TDLR.”
Requesting a date doesn't guarantee a fight will happen.
“I can't put a number on how often an event doesn't happen, but it's not uncommon,” Manzi said. “Promoters cancel for a variety of reasons before and after submitting their cards.”
