Larry Holmes believes Mike Tyson has what it takes to beat Jake Paul, but fears what happens if he doesn’t.

Tyson will step back in the ring at the age of 58 when he takes on YouTube star Paul in a surprising professional bout on November 15 in Dallas, Texas.

Tyson has looked impressive in short bursts in training footageInstagram – Mike Tyson

The legendary heavyweight had an astonishing career beating a whole host of iconic names, and he has shown his trademark power in short clips of training footage.

But fears have been expressed by many in the boxing world over Tyson’s health, given the 31-year age gap between the pair.

But Holmes, who was famously dropped and stopped by ‘Iron Mike’ in 1988, believes Paul should fear Tyson’s punching power despite his age.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

‘The Easton Assassin’ went on to add that things could take a bizarre turn if Tyson does lose to his far less experienced rival.

Tyson will meet Paul in a stunning returnMichelle Farsi/Most Valuable Promotions

Holmes has given his verdict on the clashGetty

“No, it won’t affect Tyson’s legacy if he loses, but if Jake Paul wins, all hell is going to break loose,” he continued.

“If Jake Paul wins they’re going to have a parade all set up, that’s what’s going to happen.

“I’m not saying he wins, but if he does, people are going to go crazy.

“But I don’t care who wins, these guys are making more money in one fight than I did in 70 fights. I’m glad these guys are making money.

Tyson hasn’t fought competitively since 2005 where he already looked a shadow of himself, retiring after losing to Kevin McBride.

He has made a comeback since but only in a better-matched exhibition against fellow veteran Roy Jones Jr in 2020.

The former undisputed champion has acknowledged the health risk he is taking, but has defiantly and regularly lashed back at critics.

Paul is 26-years-old and in his physical prime, but has never fought anyone with Tyson’s ring craft and experience.

Tyson has already been forced to withdraw from their original planned bout in July, but is confident that he still will be in shape for fight night.