Jake Paul warned Mike Tyson fight could be 'biggest backfire in sports history' as UFC legend expresses fears

29/08/2024 15:36

Daniel Cormier believes Jake Paul’s fight with Mike Tyson could dramatically backfire.

The YouTube star will meet 58-year-old heavyweight legend Tyson in a professional bout on November 15, which will be his rival’s first since retiring in 2005.

Paul is expected to be the favourite given he is in superior physical condition at the age of 26, but Tyson still carries an element of his ferocious power.

And former UFC champion Cormier believes Paul’s attempt to beat boxing royalty could go wrong as he could be vulnerable in the opening stages.

"It looks like there's still something left in there," Cormier said. "But then I watch Jake Paul fight Mike Perry.

“I watch Jake Paul get pressed to where he starts to feel uncomfortable, and it looked like Mike Perry had a chance. But then Jake has a reserve tank to go to and get, and draw from because he's 28 years old.

"That is my concern. Because what if this looks like 58-year-old man, fighting a 28-year-old man, where Mike can't draw?

“I think it's a lose-lose for Jake Paul, because if you beat up Mike Tyson, everybody loves Mike Tyson.

“Mike Tyson actually doesn't need the money, so it's surprising to me that he's fighting, what if Mike knocks him out though? Then it's over.

“Everything's done. It would be an all-time backfire. Nothing's ever been done like that in the history of the sport if he gets knocked out."

Paul will have to be wary of Tyson’s power given the former undisputed champion will have the benefit of shorter two-minute rounds on fight night.

‘Iron Mike’ has been crashing the pads in training footage, in a bid to intimidate the influencer who has piled on weight to match his rival.

Tyson had a simply ridiculous KO record throughout his career of 88 per cent, and fancies his chances of recording a positive final bow.

But despite his explosive hands, Paul believes remarkably that he has the power to match the knockout artist.

“I know I will be able to [match his power],” he said.

“I’m a natural born heavyweight, this is what I was born to do: move up into this weight class and show Mike who has more power because he is underestimating me and I believe I hit harder.

“I know it’s going to be tough, I know I’m going to have to fight through adversity, I know I might even go to the canvas, I’m scared don’t get me wrong.

“But it’s not about the fear stopping me, it’s about going into it even though I am scared – that is what true bravery is.”