Tyson is preparing for the rearranged bout on November 15 at the AT&T Stadium in Texas after a health scare pushed the date back from July. The 58-year-old former world champion suffered an ulcer flare-up on a flight to Los Angeles in May, but is now back in the gym getting ready to face the YouTuber-turned-boxer who is 31 years his junior.

There have been concerns that Tyson could be walking into a one-sided affair after Paul knocked out his replacement, Mike Perry, in the sixth round. Tyson retired from professional boxing in 2005 and has not fought since a bore draw exhibition with Roy Jones Jr in 2020, but his former opponent Lewis believes his experience could be decisive.

Asked in May if he was concerned about the two fighters’ safety, Lewis told The Guardian : “I’m concerned for Jake Paul. Tyson still knows how to punch, as you can see when he’s hitting a bag. If Jake Paul gets hit by one of those punches, he’s going to feel it. I know Jake Paul doesn’t want to get hit.

“Tyson comes forward and he knows how to cut off the ring. It could be a matter of time, as how good is Jake Paul’s defence? I saw Mike a couple of weeks ago and he looked good. He was walking around without a shirt and showing off his body so he’s getting ready.”

Speaking after Tyson had to pull out of the original date, Paul said: “I do value Mike’s health. Love that guy, so much respect for him and I want Mike to be healthy. He still says he’s going to knock me out and I bought myself some time so Mike is still talking s*** over there.”

s)

“I’m going to get another KO and prove everyone wrong once again. Everyone said I was an idiot for taking this fight, that I was risking it but this is why I’m here, I take big risks.

“Mike, I love you but this is my sport, you’re a legend, you’re one of the two most famous boxers ever to live, you and Muhammad Ali. It’s an honour to get in the ring with you. I’m so, so honoured; you’re a legend, but I’m going to take your throne, brother.”