British boxing legend Ricky Hatton has condemned the recently announced back between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, but offered a prediction ahead of what can only be described as a shocking match-up.
Paul improved his professional record to 10-1 with a second consecutive first-round knockout against former Golden Gloves champion Ryan Bourland (17-2) earlier this month.
Now it has been confirmed that ‘The Problem Child’ will face off with a man very familiar with first-round knockouts, heavyweight great ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson, who registered 24 during his career, before retiring in 2005.
Speaking to SpinBet, Hatton admitted his bemusement at the contest, before offering a prediction where he expected the 57-year-old to come out on top.
“Mike seems to be getting better in looking after himself and is in a good place. We all know the history of Mike and what he went through but he is doing great and is in the gym training at 57.
“He still looks ferocious, and I have seen his punching power online so I think Jake Paul will be in trouble. You have to respect the younger guy will outbox him and pick him off with speed because he’s the smaller man, but from what I see on social media on how Mike is training, trust me I would not take up the offer to fight him, so good luck to Jake.
“The name and brand gets you the opportunity these days and not what you’ve done in the ring. The name gets you the opportunity. But you don’t have to fight the best person in boxing now, it’s not what you’ve done or achieved.
“Gone are the days of fighting for a world title, and people choose to double the purse and fight the YouTuber, and if being honest that’s the problem I have with boxing.”
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson will take place on July 20th and be broadcast on Netflix, although the rumoured rules of the bout have been criticized by many.