'It could be his demise' – Mike Tyson warned Jake Paul fight will be 'dangerous'

08/05/2024 18:39

Mike Tyson has been warned about facing Jake Paul, who is in his ‘physical prime’.

British star Denzel Bentley believes that Tyson’s July 20 encounter with Paul, which will see him step back in the ring aged 58, could see the ‘demise’ or Iron Mike.

It has been confirmed that the showdown will take place under sanctioned professional rules, the legend’s first outing on his record since retiring in 2005 after losing to Kevin McBride.

And Bentley, who spoke to raise awareness for Steel Warriors’ anti-knife crime campaign, insists Tyson’s lifestyle does not lead towards a boxing return.

“Everyone wants to make money and good luck to them,” Bentley told talkSPORT.com.

“I’m not interested in it if I’m being honest, but this fight here is a young athletic guy against an old man who hasn’t worked out in a long time.

“It’s not the same Mike Tyson we have all loved and known, so I fancy watching him come to his demise.

“He is 58 and not a 58-year-old that keeps in good shape, he smokes weed and lives his life.

“He is only in the gym now because of this fight, Jake Paul is an athlete, he is a young man and coming into his physical prime and is trying to take boxing seriously.

“So I think it could be very dangerous for Mike Tyson.”

Tyson is far from his peak physical condition, having suffered from sciatica which has even left him using a walking stick.

But the former undisputed heavyweight champion has been posting training footage in a bid to prove his condition for the appearance.

He has also revealed he intends to stop smoking cannabis and work out regularly to ensure he is in the best shape possible for fight night.

And his trainer, Rafael Cordeiro, who will likely oversee Tyson’s return from his corner, is adamant he is in superb shape to beat Paul.

He said: “I believe we don't have to be concerned about it. We're talking about a two-time world champion.

“The guy didn't have 20 fights in two years, he knows how to fight. He's fought against the best guys in the world.

“When he steps inside the ring he knows what to do. It's not something new for Mike, and this fight is no different.

“He works hard every single day to go in there and try to knock Jake out from the beginning to the end. He's going to prove that in July.”