Mike Tyson returns to the ring next month against YouTuber-turner-boxer Jake Paul.
The contest has drawn considerable criticism from many due to the 30-year age gap between competitors. ‘Iron’ Mike hung up the gloves professionally back in 2005 – when Paul was just eight-years-old – after two back-to-back losses and a loss of appetite for the sport.
Whilst plenty in the sport worry for the former heavyweight champion’s health, a lot of his former opponents believe he still has what it takes to win the fight. That includes Larry Holmes, who Tyson beat by fourth round knockout to retain his unified titles back in ’88.
Speaking to OLBG, Holmes said he had watched the 57-year-old train and that Paul could be in trouble.
“I watched a clip of Mike Tyson this morning and all I can say is Jake better be ready if he’s going to fight Mike. Mike will be able to last the two minute rounds. Mike comes to fight when he puts his mind to it, he goes to work on you. And that’s what I’ve seen today. And if this guy tries to trade punches with Mike, he loses.
Mike is a puncher. I fought Mike and he hit me and that was the end of it. Earnie Shavers was one of the hardest punchers there’s ever been and Mike is right up there with him at the top. Earnie Shavers was the hardest I’ve ever faced but when Tyson hits, he tries to kill you. And Mike can take a good punch, I hit him a couple of times and he kept on coming.Jake will hit him, but Mike is going to keep on coming. He better be ready for Mike to keep coming forward with punches.”
Holmes went on to send advice to the green fighter.
“If Jake moves like Larry Holmes did, around in circles, ducking punches then he might be able to survive. But if he doesn’t move around, duck Mike’s punches, he’s not going to make it. He has to bang that jab out. Block what he throws and throw back. If he doesn’t fight Mike Tyson smartly, using movement and jabs, he won’t win. If he tries to trade punches he’s not going to win. The only way he wins the battle is if he runs.”
Ultimately though, ‘The Easton Assassin’ sided with his old foe.
“Mike Tyson’s gonna do his thing and fight the way he always fights. I think if I’m gonna bet my money, I’ll bet on Mike Tyson because I know him. I see him. I was around him. I know what he’s made of. I wish both of them the best, I hope they don’t get hurt. They have Larry Holmes support.”
The fight takes place on November 15 at the AT&T Stadium, Texas following an initial postponement.
