Mike Tyson sparks concerns from boxing peers over fight against Jake Paul

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Mike Tyson was once the baddest man on the planet as a heavyweight boxing champion.

But at 57, and best known for his roles in projects such as Hangover films and Mysteries of Mike Tyson TV series for the past 19 years, Tyson has expressed concerns that he was making a big mistake by returning to boxing.

Tyson is set to face YouTube sensation Jake Paul on July 20. This is not an exhibition – the match is controlled by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation as a professional fight.

Paul, 27, is 9-1 in his career with six knockouts against a mix of celebrities and average fighters, his only loss being a split decision to Tommy Fury, brother of current heavyweight champion Tyson Fury .

Despite Paul’s lack of high-profile opponents and Tyson’s record of 50-6 with 44 knockouts, the older boxer’s peers are worried.

Former champion Deontay Wilder is the latest to speak out.

“I don’t want the last thing I remember about him to be him getting knocked out by a YouTuber,” Wilder said. “The last thing you do is what people remember you by.”

Wilder believes no one really cares about Tyson’s well-being.

“I think it’s a shame that the commission licensed Mike Tyson, because he hasn’t been active in 20 years, so they shouldn’t license him just because of who he is, that’s how it is that people are hurt — God forbid he gets hurt,” Wilder told Sportsbook Review.

“People can be hit in the wrong place and at the wrong time. There are many examples where men have been knocked into a coma. It is easy to do. He’s too old for that. In the end, no one cares about Mike.

Tyson has posted training videos that show he still has power and skill. It will be necessary against Paul, a powerful puncher.

“His power may not be completely gone, but you still have to set it up, your stamina has to be a certain way, otherwise it will be like a clown show,” Wilder said. “I don’t want to see it to be honest.”

Paul recently said he was “super respectful” to Tyson, but that “all is fair in love and war.”

“I love this guy, but as soon as it turns into a professional fight, one of us has to die,” Paul said.

But it’s worth noting a famous statement Tyson made about an opponent: “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” »