Jake Paul has had a rapid rise in boxing.
He began his professional career in 2020 and rightly or wrongly has since become one of the biggest names of the sport, leading to this week’s mammoth showdown with Mike Tyson.
Paul and Tyson do battle over eight two-minute rounds at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, in an event that will be streamed around the world live on Netflix.
It’s a clash that has divided opinion due to Tyson now being 58-years-old and having not fought professionally since 2005, while Paul is 27-years-old and has competed 11 times over the past four years.
The fight week festivities have already begun, with the two boxers taking part in their open workout on Tuesday, leading to plenty of discussion over the skills of both men at their respective ages.
One man who has commented on the boxing ability of Paul is respected analyst Teddy Atlas, who helped coach Tyson in the very early days of his career.
On his YouTube Channel, Atlas needed just three words to sum up the YouTuber-turned-boxer.
“Work in progress.”
Atlas then explained that he respects Paul for having decided to have a career in boxing.
“I don’t want to mock him because anybody who gets in the ring I ain’t mocking them. I have a lot of respect for him for what he’s done and the way he’s done it. He’s trained hard to be the best fighter he can be. He’s still trying to be better.”
In a more recent video, Atlas advised fans that the most likely result was Paul on points, and has said he has a feeling that the fight could look more like a staged professional wrestling event rather than a top-level boxing contest.
With just days to go until Tyson and Paul do battle, former Tyson foe and boxing legend Evander Holyfield has also given his verdict on his former opponent’s chances.
