Jake Paul has admitted that bulking up to heavyweight has made him slower in training.

Paul will take on ring legend Mike Tyson in Texas in July as he makes his debut in boxing’s heaviest division having previously competed at cruiserweight. Paul claims to have piled on the pounds to such an extent that he now weighs 230lb, almost as much as former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has scaled in the past.

And the YouTube sensation, who will start as the favourite to beat a 58-year-old Tyson has revealed that although putting on weight has allowed him to punch harder, he has found his cardio training harder to adjust to as he carries around more poundage.

“Everything has been good but it’s been a little transition moving to heavyweight. I definitely needed to put on weight so that I’m able to compete with Mike Tyson and so that he’s not able to throw me around in the ring. We’ve been sparring heavyweights and eating more food. Mike Tyson has called me fat but I believe fat will turn into muscle and come fight night I believe I will be able to move and dance around the ring like a true heavyweight.”

Paul, meanwhile, insists Tyson will still pose a challenge despite the 30-year age gap on fight night. |They say he’s the baddest man on the planet, so let’s find out. Apparently he’s the final boss… I love the biggest challenges in the world,” he said.

“That’s what’s made my whole entire career is taking big risks and I want the toughest guy out there. I want the biggest fights and making history is what I’ve done my whole entire career. And this is no different. Netflix, Mike Tyson. It doesn’t get any bigger than this and everyone will see July 20.”