Lennox Lewis knows better than most what it takes to beat Mike Tyson in the ring.
Tyson fought a further three times before retiring and will now make his return to the professional ring for the first time in nearly twenty years when he faces YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul this week.
Speaking to Title Sports Network about Paul’s ability shown in his previous fights, Lewis didn’t think much of the 27-year-old’s skills and said he would rank him ‘zero’ on a list of pro fighters.
“Zero. He’s not a pure fighter, he shouldn’t be on any list right now.”
In an interview with FOX 29 when asked about Paul’s chances against his former opponent, Lewis summarised his prediction in just four words.
“Mike Tyson’s gonna win.”
Although Lewis believes age will play a role, he is backing experience and power to trump youth.
“Mike Tyson’s not that old. Don’t take him too softly. We’re one year apart … You can fight somebody like that and do well, because the person you’re fighting is not a true fighter and there’s a hundred things that you’ve forgotten that he’s learning.
[The age] will be a little bit of a determining factor if the fight goes on too long, but if they get close and Mike Tyson comes with his ten second combination, if one of those punches catches [Paul] he’s definitely gonna go down.”
Paul vs Tyson takes place on Friday November 15 at the AT&T stadium in Texas and will be streamed live on Netflix.
