Mike Tyson and Jake Paul(Image: AP)

Jake Paul was 'wouldn't have stood a chance' against Mike Tyson in his prime

by · ChronicleLive

Former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley has shared his thoughts on the upcoming boxing match between YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul and boxing legend Mike Tyson, set to take place at the AT&T Stadium in Texas on November 15. Woodley believes that if Tyson were in his prime, Paul wouldn't stand a chance.

The bout, which could draw up to 90,000 spectators, was initially scheduled for July but had to be postponed due to Tyson suffering an ulcer flare-up during a flight. Opinions are divided over who will emerge victorious from the clash, with some expressing concern for 58-year-old Tyson's health and questioning the decision by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations to sanction the fight as a professional contest.

However, Woodley sees it as an evenly matched fight due to Tyson's age. Speaking to TMZ, he said: "It's a very even fight, to be honest. It's even because of the age of Mike Tyson. He's completely obviously out of his prime. When in his prime, most of his fights were almost attempted murder. So literally, Jake wouldn't have stood a chance. Nobody would even commission to sanction a fight against him and Mike Tyson (in Tyson's prime)".

The 42 year old famously clashed with Paul three years ago, losing by split-decision. They fought again four months later - but the former MMA champion suffered a devastating knockout. Woodley added: "Jake's always in a win-win situation. He's fighting guys that if he loses, 'You lost to this guy, you lost to Tyron, you lost to Anderson Silva, you lost to Nate Diaz or whatever," reports the Mirror.

"So he's always in a position where, if he wins, he goes up. If he loses, it's like OK, he took a risk, he took a chance. I like the fight. I'll be at the fight".

'The Problem Child' enters the showdown with Tyson following a brutal knockout victory over former UFC welterweight contender, Mike Perry in July. As for 'Iron Mike', the boxing veteran hasn't fought a professional match since retiring on the stool against Kevin McBride nearly two decades ago. However, he did return to the ring in an exhibition bout against fellow legend Roy Jones Jr four years ago.

In the wake of confirmation for his upcoming heavyweight bout, Jake Paul has faced a barrage of criticism for agreeing to the fight. Addressing the sceptics in an interview with TODAY, Paul said: "A lot of people are wondering 'Jake, why are you doing this? Even if you beat him, they're going to say he's old'.

"But to me, Mike Tyson wanted to fight me. That is an honour. He's one of the most famous boxers in the world to ever do it. To step in there with someone of his nature is an honour and a dream come true. It's going to be a spectacle on Netflix".