Tyson Fury has backed Mike Tyson to knock Jake Paul out cold when they fight later this year.
Tyson and Paul were due to meet last month in Texas but the heavyweight legend was forced to postpone the bout until November when he suffered an ulcer flare-up on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles in May. Tyson was initially confident his return to the ring would go ahead but was ultimately forced to push it back.
In the meantime, Paul took on bare-knuckle champion and former UFC star Mike Perry, knocking him out in the sixth round. Tyson has returned to training and insists he will be ready to fight for the first time a bore draw in an exhibition fight with Roy Jones Jr in 2020.
And Fury, who was named after Tyson, believes the ex-champion can prevail. In a clip re-shared by MMA READ, he said: “Listen, if Mike Tyson hits anybody, I don’t care if he’s 90, he’s gonna knock them out cold, in’t he? Obviously I have to back Mike Tyson. I’m named after the legend and I’ll back him. As he always backs me, I’m backing Mike for the knockout. Come on, Mike!”
The boxing world has been divided by the fight with many fearing for Tyson’s wellbeing. But Paul has no qualms about taking on the 58-year-old. After beating Perry, he said: “He’s tough as nails, I’m sorry it took so long. Respect to Mike Perry; he’s the king of violence, he’s the BKFC champion. I hit too hard; he took a lot of damage and that’s a W for me. I expected that but I did put him down in the first round, he just survived. Mike Tyson… you’re next big boy, sign the contract, November 15 on Netflix. I’m excited for that one, I’m going to go home and prepare for that one.
“It’s happening, November 15, Mike Tyson is training, he’s back, looking crazier than ever. 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.”
