Jake Paul has been backed by Anthony Joshua to beat Mike Tyson this summer
The influencer-turned-boxer is set to face his most significant challenge on July 20, as he squares off against the heavyweight legend at the AT&T Stadium in Texas. This monumental crossover fight will be broadcast live on Netflix.
Tyson will be 58 by the time the exhibition bout comes around, with Paul his junior by some 31 years.
Former two-time unified world heavyweight champion Joshua predicts that the age difference will play a crucial role when the two men face off in Arlington. Additionally, he expressed his support for the controversial rise of influencer boxing.
“He [Tyson] is older now,” the Briton said on his upcoming appearance on the Jonathan Ross Show, being broadcast on ITV1 on Saturday night. “I pray that he comes out healthy.
“I think Jake Paul will wins because of youth – that’s the only thing… I personally think he is 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.”
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.
Joshua also offered an update on his own future in the ring, confirming that he is expecting to fight again in September against an as yet unknown opponent.
