Jake Paul’s ex-opponents Ben Askren and Mike Perry are in no doubt how his fight with Mike Tyson will play out.
Paul will meet 58-year-old heavyweight legend Tyson in a surprise professional bout on November 15, over eight two-minute rounds.
Paul and Tyson will meet in a surprise meeting next monthMichelle Farsi/Most Valuable Promotions
It is in an impossible fight for many to call, with ‘Iron Mike’ way beyond his physical prime, but carrying far more boxing experience and power than Paul.
Whereas The ‘Problem Child’ is in his physical peak at the age of 27, and would be expected to beat Tyson who has had worrying health conditions in recent times.
The YouTube star has fought eleven times with ten wins and one defeat, which include clashes against ex-UFC stars Ben Askren and Mike Perry.
And the pair unanimously suggested that Tyson will likely not beat Paul due to his age as a veteran.
“I just feel like 58 is, I mean, yes the one thing he’ll probably retain is the power, so Mike Tyson needs to catch him,” Askren said.
“But the gas tank and all the other things that go with it definitely go downhill, especially when you haven’t been doing it very competitively.
“I feel like that’s how it’s gonna go, it’s gonna be competitive early. 58 is old and he’s probably gonna get tired and, yeah.
“It’s a [lose-lose] because everybody loves Mike Tyson. You’re beating up a 58-year-old. He hasn’t been actively competitive in twenty years.”
Askren was famously knocked out by Paul in just the first round of the American’s third professional encounter in 2021.
Perry, who was the most recent victim of Paul losing by stoppage, replacing Tyson in July, had the same opinion.
Askren was beaten by Paul, but has backed him to get the job doneGetty
Perry shared the same opinion on the fightEsther Lin/MVP
He told Paul directly during an interview: “I think you [Jake] win.
“I think you’re younger and I think you’re doing the right things as far as what your team has you doing, it works.
“I wasn’t able to add anything up on you, I wasn’t able to have you punch yourself out, I wasn’t able to get you on the ropes where I could release a flurry.
“And at 58, Mike’s age is something I’m thinking about.”
Tyson has been in a full training camp despite his age, and is determined to prove it is just a number.
He has faced several health concerns given he hasn’t fought in a professional bout since 2005, where he quit on the stool against journeyman Kevin McBride.
The former undisputed champion has backed himself to win on multiple occasions, and has been releasing training footage to prove his fitness.
Admittedly, he will take confidence from his 2020 exhibition with Roy Jones Jr, where he was able to show off his trademark power.
But a meeting with Paul is a whole different ball game given their physical conditions, and his decision to accept a full licensed meeting.