Former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis has given a bold prediction ahead of Jake Paul’s upcoming exhibition bout against Lewis’ former opponent and fellow heavyweight legend, Mike Tyson.
Shock reverberated around boxing fans across the globe when it was announced that ‘The Problem Child’ would face Tyson and rumours that the contest could be a professional one had eyebrows raised, as well as concerns for both competitors’ health.
Tyson, who will enter the ring 30 years older than his opponent, last fought as a professional in 2005 where he was stopped by Ireland’s Kevin McBride.
Paul has been involved in three professional contests within the last eight months, albeit in the cruiserweight division against opponents nowhere near as fearsome as ‘Iron Mike’ was or even is today.
However, recent news has confirmed that their match-up will instead be an exhibition, although a true to character Mike Tyson claims that the adjusted rule-set will make little difference to his approach of fight night.
Speaking to TMZ Sports, Lennox Lewis declared that Jake Paul should be relieved that the bout could not be sanctioned, with the Brit adding that he would fear for Paul’s health had the contest been going onto Mike Tyson’s official record.
“It’s going to be a great fight, I am looking forward to it.
“No [I’m not upset about it not being a professional bout], because I would feel really bad for Jake Paul. I don’t want him to get hurt.”
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson will take place on July 20th at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas and will be available to watch live on Netflix for what looks set to be one of the most viewed events of the year.