Teddy Atlas: 'If it's real, Jake Paul better be alert in the first couple of rounds'

11/12/2024 05:32 AM

On Saturday, former undisputed heavyweight boxing world champion Mike Tyson will step back in the ring at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas to take on YouTuber-turned boxer Jake Paul.  Tyson turned 58 in June while Paul turned 27 in January.  Despite the 31-year age difference, Tyson's former coach, Teddy Atlas, warned Paul to be 'alert' against "Iron Mike."  

Originally, the bout was scheduled to take place on July 20, but was postponed due to Tyson suffering an ulcer flare up due to 'too much bad food and stuff.' The match was rescheduled for Nov. 15.  Atlas is confident that Tyson is healthy heading into Friday's showdown.  

"Obviously he's okay, and that's good.  That's his choice, his family's choice.  He knows if he can come back.  Obviously it was something that he overcame physically.  It wasn't that serious.  Obvious he's of good health.  The people around him believe he's of good health.  I have to believe he's of good health," Atlas told Pro Boxing Fans.  

"He's 58-years old.  Not too many guys who would be getting in the ring at 58.  But it's not a normal professional fight," Atlas continued.  "The circumstances are a little different."

Regardless of the rules or Tyson's age, Atlas warned Paul that he better not lose focus in the early rounds or it could have devastating consequences.

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"I tell you one thing, early on, Jake better be alert the first couple of rounds because one thing that a former great fighter like Tyson can do is still punch," Atlas said.  "The power is the last thing to leave you.  The power is the last thing to leave you, and if Jake gets careless early on...

"If it's real.  If there's not an agreement in place.  I don't know.  I don't know.  If it's not pre-scripted, if this isn't pre-scripted for Netflix, and it's real, and Tyson comes out there firing the way that he used to fire, and he can do it for a couple of rounds, it could be interesting."