According to the former trainer of the boxing legend, the fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul could end in 30 seconds. The fight between the former heavyweight world champion and the boxer turned YouTuber will take place on November 15.
The original July date was shelved after Tyson, 58, was diagnosed with a flare-up of his peptic ulcer. Given his age, 31 years older than Paul, there are question marks over whether Iron Mike should step into the ring at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Former three-division world champion Jeff Fenech knows Tyson well, having trained “The Baddest Man on the Planet” towards the end of his professional career in the mid-2000s. The Australian, who was in Tyson’s corner for his last professional fight – a knockout defeat to Kevin McBride in 2005 – has reservations but believes it could be a low and simple evening for his friend if he is clever.
“If it was my decision, I would definitely prefer him not to fight at all, but he will fight,” Fenech told reporters Mirror. “I talked to him about the fight. Realistically, if Mike enjoys working upstairs and nothing else and does the right thing, this could be the easiest money he’s ever made.
“When you both throw punches, it will be 50/50 who lands. But if Mike concentrates and makes him miss and then pays… Mike is an expert at this, he has great head movement.
If he does it in 30 seconds, the fight can be over in 30 seconds. Mike just needs to utilize common sense, not try to hit when he hits, make him miss and make him pay.
Paul, whose only career defeat was to Tommy Fury, has never boxed anyone in Tyson’s class. Fenech believes that the 27-year-old will not be able to cope with his opponent’s strength.
“Jake Paul has no boxing skills or knowledge,” added Fenech, 60. “I watched him but anyone can hit a pad or a bag, or someone who really can’t fight. When you are bigger and stronger, everything is fine.
“But Mike, as a heavyweight, was a great defensive player. He could slip and make people miss. If he does this and lands a counterattack, the fight will be over.
“There is no chance in the world that Jake Paul could take a Mike Tyson hook, a Mike Tyson right hand, or a Mike Tyson uppercut. I hope so [for]. I love Mike, he’s a great friend, he’s like family to me. I just hope everything goes well.