Boxing fans claim Paul vs Tyson will be "elderly abuse" as new footage emerges

11 March 2024 , 10:53

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Mike Tyson is stepping back into the ring (Image: Arnold Turner/Getty Images)

Boxing fans have slammed the prospect of 57-year-old Mike Tyson fighting Jake Paul in a heavyweight bout this summer - with one claiming it's going to be "elderly abuse".

Tyson, who last fought during an exhibition against Roy Jones Jr in November 2020, will be 58 when he goes into the ring. Meanwhile, YouTube star Paul turned 27 back in January and most recently fought former Gold Gloves champion Ryan Bourland earlier this month.

Despite Tyson being 30 years older than Paul, the duo will go glove-to-glove in Texas in July. However, fans have already made their mind up on who is going to come out on top. This is after a clip emerged on social media of Tyson, who retired from professional boxing in 2005, sparring in the ring.

Tyson showed off some of his signature moves and looked sharp, even if he was understandably a little off the pace compared to his former self. However, in response to the video, fans could not help but criticise the idea of Tyson jumping back into the ring to face Paul later this summer.

One eagle-eyed fan said: "One clean shot and Tyson will go down. No actual boxer who respects the sport would try to make a name [out] of a 58-year-old legend."

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A second admitted: "This is so wrong. Even though Tyson is a boxing great and Paul is a YouTuber. He's 57!! This shouldn't be happening. How is it?"

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"He looks amazing… for a 50+ year old man," a third claimed. "Don't let this fool you, he shouldn't be getting in the ring with Jake Paul no matter how bad you think Paul is." Another said: "Mike does not look good."

A fifth claimed: "He's gonna be 58 by the fight. It's just not right man. It's gonna be elderly abuse, but they will have an agreement to make sure it doesn't get too embarrassing. I love the legend Mike Tyson btw." A sixth said: "Something I've noticed about all of these Tyson videos is that he can't duck too low anymore."

"No way unc is in this much need of money, right?" a seventh revealed. "His legacy is solidified and he's going to ruin it if he gets knocked out or even lose to Jake Paul. I'm not saying he's going to lose, but there's definitely a chance he loses. Especially now that he's older and not in his prime."

Some other fans, meanwhile, are backing Tyson for victory on his much-anticipated return to the ring against Paul, who first fought against fellow YouTube sensation KSI back in 2018. One said: "Tyson getting the W!" Another claimed: "With all due respect, Jake's getting cooked @jakepaul."

Kieran King