Tyson Fury refused to fight Mike Tyson in 2020 despite being offered the chance to battle it out in an exhibition bout.
However, the Gypsy King insisted he would have found himself in a 'lose-lose situation' - who was the WBC heavyweight champion at the time.
Four years on, Youtuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul took to the ring in a professionally-sanctioned fight to beat Tyson by unanimous decision on Friday night.
That is despite the 31-year age gap between them, which broke the record for a professional fight, though the clash was a mismatch.
Tyson Fury knew fighting Mike Tyson would have been a lose-lose situation
Reuters
It became quickly apparent that, at 58, Tyson did not have the same engine as his 27-year-old opponent, who was able to hold off Iron Mike and connect with more jabs.
With millions watching the Netflix event from around the world, many condemned the fight as farcical - a view that Fury had predicted four years before.
Tyson, who was 53 at the time, was looking to return to the ring in an exhibition clash and Fury was one of several names on a shortlist.
"(Mike Tyson's) people contacted me, me and Mike had a phone call, it was all real but never materialized," Fury said in 2020.
"Someone who was offering the money to Mike came back and offered us peanuts completely.
JUST IN: Mike Tyson's legacy tarnished as Jake Paul wins controversial boxing fight
"Mike was talking about $500 million figures but what came back on paper was a joke, it was crazy.
"I would have just loved to share the ring with him and move around.
"But if he had won then people would have said I was rubbish because a 53-year-old beat me and if I had beaten him then I would have been a bully."
READ MORE: Netflix forced to issue apology before Mike Tyson and Jake Paul boxing fight
Jake Paul beat Tyson Fury in a mismatch of a fight
Reuters
Tyson landed just 18 punches against Paul as rounds went by where he struggled to even throw his trademarks shots.
The Youtube star, meanwhile, only had to stay on his toes and refused to throw heavier punches as he wanted to show respect.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Jake Paul claimed victory but has come in for criticism
Reuters
"I did, a little bit," he said when asked if he was holding back.
"He wasn't really engaging back, I could tell his age was showing and I have so much respect for him.
"After he slapped me I wanted to knock him down and stuff but as the fight went on that feeling went away."
