Mike Tyson is concerned Jake Paul will avoid a slug-fest in their upcoming clash.
Tyson will stunningly return to the ring aged 58 in a huge showdown with Paul on November 15, a bout which will be sanctioned and count on the pair’s professional records.
Tyson is preparing to take on a surprise battle with Paul next monthMichelle Farsi/Most Valuable Promotions
Tyson will be expected to be aggressive and chase a stoppage in front of the 80,000 crowd at the At&T Stadium in Texas.
The fight will be contested over eight two-minute rounds, a format which could favour the heavy handed legend.
And he believes that Paul’s tactics could be negative given the imminent threat of his power despite his age.
He told talkSPORT’s Adam Catterall in an exclusive interview: “I don’t fear him, he has stepped in the ring before.
“Whoever in that ring has a problem with me. Don’t go in that ring if you don’t have a problem with me.
“He’s a good little fighter but he’s only had ten fights which is considered as an amateur in our field.
“I see him running around and I have to try and catch him and slaughter him.”
Paul has been bulking up to around 230lbs to try and match the former undisputed heavyweight champion’s power.
He has regularly spoken about how he is ‘fearful’ of the legend’s power, which culminated in him carrying an 88 per cent KO ratio during his professional career.
Despite being far from his heyday, Tyson has shown he still packs a ferocious punch, releasing training footage of his crunching shots in camp.
Tyson explained his position on Paul’s tactics
The veteran has even dropped a partner while sparring in preparation, a warning to the ‘Problem Child’ that he should be taken seriously despite his age.
Paul is certain he is taking Tyson seriously, and believes his physical advantages will counter the legend’s natural power.
He told Fox News: “He can’t bite my ear off if I knock his teeth out.
“I’m the faster man. He’s the much stronger man, but I’m fresh. He’s experienced.
“I’m smart but in the ring he may be smarter, so it’s a really interesting match-up.
“It’s going to be tough. He looks like a beast, he’s a dog, he’s ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson.
“But I believe I have what it takes to beat him and I know this is the toughest test of my life and it’s an honour to be in there with Mike,
“But at the end of the day I’m going to be the one who gets my hand raised.”
Paul and Tyson’s bout will see the pair meet 31 years of age apart, and at vastly different levels physically.
Although it represents a significant payday for the heavyweight legend, who is expected to earn around $20 million.
Tyson hasn’t fought competitively since 2005 when he retired after three defeats in his final four outings, including in his final bow against Kevin McBride.
But he will confident after an exhibition with Roy Jones Jr in 2020, that he has enough to get the job done against the lesser experienced Paul.
