Mike Tyson will fight Jake Paul on Friday 15 November. The bout will be Tyson's first professional contest since 2005.
Three former world heavyweight champions who beat Tyson have shared their thoughts on the upcoming fight. James 'Buster' Douglas, the first to defeat Tyson professionally in February 1990, doesn't think it'll go well for Paul.
"It's not going to be good for Jake. I don't think there will be much of a boxing career left for Paul afterwards. I think once Mike gets rid of him, that's it for his boxing career."
Douglas believes Tyson will win easily. He advises Paul to keep his hands up, duck haymakers, and keep moving. The best scenario for Paul, according to Douglas, is to last the entire fight.
Evander Holyfield, who beat Tyson twice, including the infamous ear-biting incident, sees Paul's speed as an advantage. Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Holyfield stressed the importance of distance management for Paul.
"I don't know how much confidence that Jake Paul has and all of that, but he's gonna be a lot quicker. If he stays close to Mike then his chance of winning is gonna be great, but if he tries to stay back from Mike he's gonna get caught."
Lennox Lewis, who defeated Tyson in his final world title fight in June 2002, also predicts a win for 'Iron Mike'. In an interview with FOX 29 Philadelphia, Lewis pointed to Tyson's experience and potential for quick combinations.
"Mike Tyson is going to win. Mike Tyson is not that old. Don't take him too softly."
Lewis believes Paul's lack of a true fighting background will work against him.
Tyson's career has been full of ups and downs. He became the youngest world heavyweight champion in history at 20 years, 4 months, and 22 days old. After his first loss to Douglas in 1990, he rebuilt his career and became world champion again. He then suffered back-to-back losses to Holyfield before his final world title fight loss to Lewis in 2002.
The fight between Tyson and Paul is set for November 15, with Tyson recently giving a new take on his opponent. The boxing world will be watching to see if the 58-year-old former champion can live up to the predictions of his past rivals.
