Mike Tyson’s former coach Teddy Atlas warned Jake Paul not to underestimate the boxing legend – claiming their fight may be pre-determined.
Mike Tyson’s health continues to be an area of concern ahead of his highly-anticipated bout against Jake Paul. But according to the veteran’s former coach Teddy Atlas, it’s the younger fighter whose wellbeing fans should be worried about.
When Tyson, 57, steps into the ring on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, he will be 58 years old. In resurfaced video from 2022, the boxing legend could be seen using a support cane and wheelchair. A doctor additionally warned last week that he could be at greater risk of suffering brain damage due to his past battle with alcoholism.
Regardless, Tyson has proven he still has plenty left in the tank. In the leadup to the fight, he has posted daily training videos to social media showcasing his fast hands and powerful punches.
Though Paul remains a heavy favourite in the bout, Atlas warned the YouTuber-turned-boxer to be wary of what he was getting into, saying: “I think this is a very dangerous fight for Paul.”
He on said “The Fight” podcast: “I think he might be making a mistake, because first of all, other than money – and he’s made plenty of money – there’s not a lot to win on his side.
“There’s not a lot to winning on his side because if he wins, they say he’s 58 years old, you know. And if he loses, they say he’s 58 years old, you lost to a 58-year-old guy. For me, he’s got a lot more to lose than Tyson. A lot more.”
Atlas couldn’t help but wonder if the fight already had a scripted ending. “I’m not questioning the integrity of Paul, as a matter of fact I like his integrity. I like what I’ve seen from the guy,” he said. “But I’m just saying, if there was a time I would question it, this would be the time because unless Paul’s that confident that Tyson is too old now, and he is that good… all I know is, this is the first time I’ve actually said, ‘I wonder if there’s an agreement’.”
Paul, who boasts a 9-1 record in his professional boxing career, has previously faced allegations of staging fights, specifically after he knocked out ex-UFC fighter Tyron Woodley. If his upcoming fight against Tyson is legitimate, Atlas wondered why he’d agree to it in the first place.
