Jake Paul has divided his fans by declaring himself "this generation's Mike Tyson."
The YouTuber, 24, made the claim on The Last Stand podcast on August 24 ahead of his fight with UFC star Tyron Woodley on August 29.
Convinced that he will emerge victorious despite having only three fights under his belt, Paul described himself as "a mental savage, a mental freak."
Watch the podcast episode below:He said: "I am on a trajectory to become the biggest prizefighter in the world.
"For the kids, I look like Mike Tyson. Your grandpa had Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson, your dad had Floyd Mayweather, this generation has Jake Paul."
He went on: "So if they want to see a highlight reel knockjpout, they want to be a part of the viral conversation, so far that is what I have delivered.
"I put on a show and I do things different."
Reacting to Paul's declaration on Twitter, one supportive fan wrote: "Can't wait to tell my kids about Jake Paul #jakepauler4life [sic]."
A second added: "5 more days you mean until jake paul is fighting. Jake Paul is the best boxer in the world way better than every other fighter in the world. Prime Muhammad Ali and prime Mike Tyson couldn't beat jake paul [sic]."
A third Twitter user, on the other hand, said that Paul's comments were not what they seemed to be.
They wrote: "I bet that he doesn't actually believe this, it just generates more interest around his fights (and so more money for him) because people want to see him lose. The Paul's have been 'villains' for years at this point, starting from when his brother had that situation in Japan."
Then there were those who outright slammed Paul for his comments.
Another Twitter user wrote: "Mike Tyson knocked out the first 19 professional boxers he faced with the force of 1000 suns. Jake Paul has fought 2 washed up scrubs, a YouTuber and *checks notes* a short basketball player. I know this guy is a baiter but I can't let such disrespect slide."
A second added: "Mike Tyson who? He must mean CEO of Tyson chicken."
A third wrote: "Not Jake Paul comparing himself to Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson…… like surely not [sic]."
Meanwhile, this Twitter user simply wrote: His confidence is really crazy, but gotta love he believes in himself [sic]."
The Sun reports that Paul and Woodley have been in a heated insult exchange on social media for some time, which suggests that the fight on August 29 is set to be a fierce one.
Paul said of the former UFC star: "He's a good striker. He's known for knocking people out. But I think when I beat Tyron, people have to put respect on my name.
"But that's not what I'm here for, to be honest. I already know how good I am. I know that this is going to be another easy fight."
"That's why Showtime is in business with me. You're looking at the future of boxing," he added.
