Jake Paul could be making a mistake stepping into the ring with Mike Tyson if their bout doesn’t already have a WWE-style ‘agreed’ ending, says the boxing legend’s former coach Teddy Atlas.
Paul, 27, sparked outrage earlier this month when he announced that he will face Tyson, 57, in a controversial mismatch of ages live on Netflix in July.
Despite his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, the prospect of ‘Iron’ Mike climbing back through the ropes just after his 58th birthday, to face a fledgling professional boxer 30 years his junior, was met with controversy in both the boxing and sporting world alike.
Many fear for Tyson’s health heading into the fight, which could yet be staged as a professional contest – especially given he was recently spotted using a walking stick.
However, Atlas – who once assisted legendary trainer Cus D’Amato in coaching Tyson – believes Paul is the one taking the risk in with one of the heaviest punchers boxing has ever seen.
Jake Paul could be making a mistake stepping into the ring with Mike Tyson, says the boxing legend’s former coach Teddy Atlas
Paul, 27, sparked outrage earlier this month when he announced that he will face Tyson, 57, in a controversial mismatch of ages live on Netflix in July
But Atlas, who helped train Tyson in his early years, fears for Paul if the fight is a genuine one
He said on his ‘The Fight’ podcast: ‘This is where I’m gonna make people sit up a little bit and say “did he just say that?”… I think this is a very dangerous fight for Paul.
‘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.
‘If he wins they say he’s 58 years old, 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.
‘There’s nothing to lose for Tyson. If he wins, in some way people are gonna thank him. “Thank you for ending this charade. Thank you for teaching this guy that you’re either a fighter or not a fighter, you can’t go from being a YouTuber to being a fighter.”
‘So the people that believe that, that feel that way, that don’t like Paul, they’re gonna prop up Tyson even higher and say thanks for teaching these guys a lesson.’
He then added: ‘I’m gonna make your hairs stand up again… [that is] unless this is a WWE agreement – which I don’t know if it is, I’ve never said this before because I think all these fights are legitimate, but this one makes me wonder.
‘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.
‘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.”
‘Because if there’s not an agreement, Paul might be making a mistake.’
‘Iron’ Mike’s old coach has questioned whether there is an agreement in place between both men for a WWE-style fixed ending to the bout
Despite his age, and the fact he has not competed professionally for close to two decades, Atlas fears Paul may have bitten off more than he can chew if there is no agreement in place for the outcome to be fixed.
The YouTuber-turned-fighter, who has won nine of his 10 pro bouts, has previously rubbished accusations of his contests being staged, including when he knocked out former UFC Welterweight champion Tyron Woodley.
‘I think the risk might be greater than the reward,’ Atlas said if his fight against Tyson is a genuine one. ‘I am really surprised that Paul’s taking this risk.
‘I don’t know if it’s because of his confidence or if he really does feel Tyson has deteriorated at this point in his life where he can handle it.
‘But I’m saying, you better be aware the way I would be, knowing Tyson the way I do, power doesn’t disappear even when you’re old.’
He then joked: ‘And if you do have an agreement with him, good luck! Because I know Tyson.
‘When that bell rings, he might have a short memory of any agreement other than to put one of those hands on your chin.’
