Mike Tyson’s team could block him from returning to the ring to fight Jake Paul – MMA legend Dan Hardy has warned.
The heavyweight icon will face YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul, who has been facing a lot of criticism due to the 30-year age difference, on November 15.
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The already controversial clash came under further scrutiny when Tyson withdrew from the initial July 20 date due to a stomach ulcer problem.
And former UFC title challenger Hardy isn’t ruling out a fight that could end up being a KO.
he told bloody elbow: “As much as I’m enjoying Jake Paul as a phenomenon in combat sports, I feel like beating Mike Tyson wouldn’t do great things for his brand.
“I honestly think a lot of the funny poking and fat suits and stuff that we’re seeing right now are actually working against him a little bit because Mike Tyson is so respected.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if that fight goes down and Mike is protected to some degree by the people around him because I think that would be something for them to consider.
“There are a lot of guys Jake Paul can fight, he doesn’t have to fight Mike Tyson. If he was calling him 10 years ago, 15 years ago, that was fair enough.
“This version of Mike is not the man who reflects who Mike Tyson was when he was at the top of the sport.”
Despite past health crises, Tyson has been deemed medically fit to continue training.
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But they will have to undergo additional brain and heart tests before their fight, while both will also have to undergo mandatory drug testing.
Tyson retired in 2005 after two disappointing losses but returned in 2020 for an exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr.
But his controversial comeback has to be professionally sanctioned with a record – Iron Mike’s first real fight. 15 years,
Meanwhile, Paul, 27, has recorded ten wins and only one loss in the boxing ring, losing a split-decision to 25-year-old Tommy Fury in 2023.
And Hardy – along with many other boxing fans – fear Tyson could be “crashed to the canvas” by his opponent. 30 years His junior.
He said: “I’m a big fan of Mike Tyson as are a lot of combat sports people.
“You know, time is always on our side and Mike Tyson is no longer the fighter he was even a few years ago.
“Even when he fought Roy Jones Jr., I thought he looked good, but over the last few years, I think his age has really started to show.
“Like, he’s still a dangerous man in his mind and you’d want to upset that guy, that’s for sure.
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“In a boxing competition where you’re with someone who is 20 years older, weighs over 200 pounds and is working on his boxing every day.
“None of us want to see Mike Tyson fall to the canvas and Jake Paul celebrate.”
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