Former Mike Tyson conqueror James ‘Buster’ Douglas has weighed in on the upcoming controversial clash between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, breaking down the bout and giving an opinion that not many others appear to share.
Douglas shocked the world when he knocked out previously unbeaten Tyson at the Tokyo Dome in Japan in 1990 to become world heavyweight champion, heading into the bout as a 42-1 underdog.
Nearly 35 years later, Tyson is now set to enter the ring again when he faces Paul, although an ulcer flare up means that the fight won’t be taking place next month like planned.
There have been plenty of concerns from onlookers ahead of the fight, with some demanding it be cancelled altogether after Tyson’s medical incident forced the postponement of the fight, having originally been scheduled for July 20.
Douglas isn’t one of those who has worries for ‘Iron Mike’ though, stating that he doesn’t see how Paul can have any threat to Tyson.
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“I don’t think Mike fighting is risky because he’s not fighting a legitimate 26-year-old contender, Paul’s a young man of course, but in the sport of boxing he’s kind of limited. The ability he has does not make him a real threat to Mike. Anything is possible in the ring, but I don’t think this is too big of a risk for Mike.
“It’s not like he is derelict or something like that. He’s got an opportunity doing something he feels he can do and he will put up a good showing. He’s not doing something that he’s not done before. And the clips I saw of him before, he’s looking pretty good. Better than most of the heavyweights out there today. I think he could hold up for sure.
“The way they fight now, I’m sure he could handle himself. The talent pool isn’t that great. They are alright, but it’s not like the strong top ten or top 20 from our day. There are a lot of weak links. Mike is going to be f******g relentless. He has no reason to hesitate.
“Jake needs to go out immediately – and bang – let him know there’s something to look out for. Otherwise it’s going to be open target season, and Mike’s going to be throwing shots with no worry about what’s coming back. Mike has never been worried about what’s coming back at him, why the f*** would he be worried about Jake Paul.”
Douglas also predicted what he expects Tyson to go after in the fight, and names a big advantage that his former rival will have over Paul.
“I can see Mike going after Paul’s body, can he withstand a real body attack? I’m visualising that once Mike gets going, he’s going to overwhelm Paul. The two-minute rounds will be to Mike’s advantage for sure, those two minutes will pass quickly. You can get your shots off and then recover. I think Mike will bring that intensity in those two-minute rounds like Mike back in the day.
“The other advantage for Mike is that Paul isn’t a major threat, as far as power coming back at him. You’re fighting a guy like Mike who is coming with thunder and he’s not really looking out for anything coming back. It would be different if Paul was a legitimate heavyweight with skills and ability. ”
News on the new date for the Tyson vs. Paul fight following the initial postponement is expected in the coming days.
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