'People just see dollar signs' – Mike Tyson urged to pursue alternative option over 'legacy damaging' Jake Paul fight by UFC star

27/08/2024 19:42

Mike Tyson has been urged to abandon plans to fight Jake Paul and simply spar to satisfy his fighting instincts.

Tyson will step into the ring at the age of 58 in a potentially challenging comeback fight against Paul on November 15 which will count on his professional record.

There have been huge concerns for Tyson’s health, given he hasn’t fought competitively since retiring in 2005.

And UFC welterweight Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson believes Tyson could tarnish his outstanding professional record.

He told talkSPORT MMA: “At this age I don’t think he should be taking any damage or damaging his legacy.

“I think it could damage his legacy because if he gets beaten by Jake Paul, that’s what he could remembered by.

“I grew up watching Mike Tyson knowing how dangerous and good he was, but this could damage his legacy.”

Thompson went on to suggest the fight is simply seeing him get exploited for money, and urged him to stick to sparring.

He continued: “If I was close to Mike Tyson I’d be telling him this [there is too much risk].

“A lot of people just see dollar signs and not keeping their fighter fit and healthy. They think we can make money off of you.

“He is the one making the sacrifice, he is doing well for himself and he doesn’t have to fight Jake Paul. He doesn’t have to prove anything.

“Yeah you’re in great shape, but you could get some working maybe get some work in, say some sparring.

“You are 58, so nothing heavy just some sparring to feed that competitiveness and fighting monster that is inside of you.

“But you can do it without doing some serious damage to yourself and hurting your legacy.”

Tyson has several medical issues and could easily be knocked out by Paul, given his rival is in his physical prime.

‘Iron Mike’ has posted regular clips of training footage showing that he still possesses his traditional power, albeit in small bursts.

And he is adamant he will win by KO and bring a halt to Paul’s recent charge in the ring.

Tyson said: “I’m very prepared to knock out Jake Paul. I’m very prepared. I had a small adversity. I got sick, but I feel good.

“I’m just ready. I’m just ready. I’m going to do my talk and I’m going to talk my s***, but I’m ready to fight.

“Hey, listen, [as] soon as I catch this guy, it’s over. He is going to be running around [the ring], but as soon as I catch this guy, it’s going to be totally over.”