Anthony Joshua is expecting youth to overcome experience when Jake Paul faces Mike Tyson this summer.
The former heavyweight champion, though, admits he is worried about ‘Iron Mike’s’ health as he gears up to fight a man 31 years his junior.
By the time Tyson, the youngest heavyweight champion in history, climbs into the ring against Paul he will have just celebrated his 58th birthday.
Meanwhile, ‘The Problem Child’ is in his physical prime at 27 years old and is an active professional boxer with 10 fights under his belt (9-1).
The last time Tyson competed was in 2020 when he faced Roy Jones Jr in an eight-round exhibition – his first appearance in the ring since hanging up his professional gloves in 2005.
By contrast, Paul has boxed four times since last year, though his second bout as a pro came on the undercard of Tyson vs Jones Jr and scored a knockout of former NBA player Nate Robinson.
When asked to pick a winner in the crossover clash, Joshua told the Jonathan Ross Show, which airs this Saturday on ITV: “He [Mike Tyson] is older now.
“I pray that he comes out healthy. I think Jake Paul [wins] because of youth – that’s the only thing.”
Paul vs Tyson is the latest blockbuster spectacle to see a retired ageing boxer pitted against an influencer.
Three years ago, Paul’s brother Logan fought Floyd Mayweather in a non-scored bout, which paved the way for others to go on and do the same.
Quizzed on his thoughts about the increase in popularity of influencer boxing matches, Joshua replied: “I personally think it’s really good.
“I think the boxing hardcores, they don’t like it because they think ‘Why are they disrespecting our sport?’
“But I think that person brings all these people into boxing which benefits everyone else. Everyone viewing helps.”
Paul and Tyson square off on July 20 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas – the home of NFL side, the Dallas Cowboys.
The fight will be shown live on Netflix for free to all existing subscribers.
Tyson recently confirmed the bout is an exhibition but insisted it will be contested under ‘real fight’ rules and regulations.
The heavyweight legend has received multiple medical warnings, with fears he could suffer ‘brain damage’ in the fight.
He has documented his training on social media in an attempt to allay fans’ fears over the showdown.
His trainer Rafael Cordeiro has also claimed he is in good condition and expects him to be a real threat in the contest.
It would be a sad ending to a historic career, should Tyson suffer a legacy-damaging defeat to Paul.
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