Mike Tyson returns to the ring almost twenty years after his last pro bout to face YouTuber turned fighter Jake Paul.
The contest – which will be considered professional but has softer rules – has been met with controversy due to the 30-year age gap between the two men, the heavyweight legend’s only ring time of late being a 2020 exhibition with Roy Jones Jr whereas Paul has kept active in his fledgling campaign.
In an interview with Cigar Talk, two-time super-middleweight champion David Benavidez said Tyson’s age ‘worries him’ but he wouldn’t be surprised if it is competitive.
“It’s gonna be a good fight. The only thing that worries me is Mike Tyson’s age, but Mike Tyson’s always gonna be a fighter at heart, you know what I mean? So it’s really just how he prepares.
Jake Paul, I think he knows he’s got to get ready. We’ll see how it turns out, but hopefully it’s not nothing too crazy. That’s the only thing that worries me, bro, but if Mike goes out there and gives Jake a good fight, we’re not gonna be surprised. Mike is a world champion, a fighter at heart. I think it’s gonna be a good fight.”
Benavidez said he used to dislike this sort of spectacle fight but no longer ‘hates on them’ due to the commitment and passion shown by the competitors.
Paul and Tyson face off on Friday November 15 in Texas following a postponement due to an ulcer flare-up on ‘Iron’ Mike’s part. The bout will be streamed on Netflix in a first for the sport.
