Boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya has pleaded with Mike Tyson to be “careful” in his fight against Jake Paul.
‘Iron Mike’ will be 58 years old when he returns to the ring on July 20 against social media star Paul. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations have confirmed the controversial fight will go ahead as a professional bout and there will be a 31-year age gap between Tyson and Paul on fight night.
Tyson admitted he was in bed for weeks whilst training for his last fight against Roy Jones Jr four years ago and has since been spotted using a wheelchair and cane for health conditions. ‘I’m gonna pray for Mike Tyson, because I love Mike Tyson,” De La Hoya told TMZ. “I think Jake Paul, look, he’s a real fighter. He really is. It’s a dangerous fight. Mike Tyson, be careful, please.
Paul has faced heavy criticism from boxing purists for agreeing to fight Tyson, who hasn’t competed in a professional bout since retiring on his stool against Kevin McBride in 2005. De La Hoya is impressed with Paul’s boxing abilities but thinks his fights are setting a dangerous precedent for the sport.
“I actually like Jake Paul for what he’s doing and the attention he’s bringing to the sport and what he wants to do with his promotional company and help the fighters,” he said on The MMA Hour. “He also talks about being a world champion and taking it seriously. Well, this is not serious, fighting Mike Tyson. I can understand it’s a lot of money, it’s going to attract a lot of eyeballs.
“The only critique I have for Jake Paul is that if you want to take the sport seriously then take the route world champions take. Fighting top 20, top 10, top five opponents and eventually becoming the mandatory to the world champion. That’s how you do it. That’s how you gain the respect from the fight fans, not fighting Tyson.”
Paul holds a professional record of 9-1 and was in action last month when he KO’d unknown boxer Ryan Bourland in one round. Tyson retired with a record of 50-6, 2 NC after losing to journeyman McBride and the boxing legend will have to pass brain and heart scans to be able to face Paul.
