Mike Tyson's last opponent didn't hold back with worrying verdict on Jake Paul fight

Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr has given his verdict on the upcoming fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul.

Jones Jr was Tyson's first opponent in 15 years when the pair faced off in November 2020.

The fight took place over eight rounds and was scored by the WBC, as well as being classed as an exhibition rather than a professional bout. It ended in a draw.

Tyson's last fight at professional level was his 2005 loss to American fighter Kevin McBride, which prompted his retirement from the sport.

Reports claim that there have been pushes made for Tyson vs Paul to take place as a professional fight, although the final decision rests with the boxing commission of Texas, the state which will host the event.

Many figures from inside and outside the world of boxing have given their prediction on how the fight, which takes place on July 20, will go down.

Jones Jr has now added his name to the list, and believes the fight is bad news for one fighter in particular.

He told The Lunch Club: "If it's a fight, it's very intriguing how it may turn out, because Jake Paul has gotten a lot better as a boxer over the days.

"But Mike Tyson, even at 58 or however old he is, is still Mike Tyson. When I boxed him, he still punched like Mike Tyson.

"If he hits anybody square on the chin, it's going to be problematic, I don't care who it is.

"I like Jake Paul, he's a good guy, and he's doing good with his boxing stuff. I think it's a good promotional situation for him and Mike - they should do really good numbers, especially having upgraded to a real fight.

"If Mike comes out and does what Mike normally does, then it's going to be a tough situation for Jake.

"If Jake can stay away from him for four or five rounds, then Jake has a chance, but he's going to have to do a lot of manoeuvring to stay away from him."

Earlier this week, it emerged that Tyson will have to record favourable results in a number of health-related tests before he is cleared to compete.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) told USA Sports Today that fighters over the age of 36 must submit 'favourable results' from an electroencephalogram (EEG) and an electrocardiogram (ECG).

An ECG can detect any heart issues, while an EEG can evaluate brain disorders.

Topics: Boxing, Mike Tyson, Jake Paul, Roy Jones Jr

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.