As the anticipation builds for the highly awaited showdown between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, an unexpected voice has emerged to offer guidance to the boxing legend.

Former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, who famously defeated Tyson twice during their professional careers, has stepped into the spotlight once again. Holyfield, who himself made a regrettable return to the ring at the age of 58, has shared his insights on what Tyson can do to navigate the challenges of fighting at an advanced age.

Set to take place on July 20 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the bout will see Tyson, now 58 years old, facing off against the much younger Jake Paul. With a significant age gap between the two fighters, Holyfield’s perspective carries weight, given his own experience returning to boxing in his later years.

Reflecting on his own ill-fated comeback match against UFC legend Vitor Belfort in 2021, Holyfield acknowledges the pitfalls of stepping into the ring at an advanced age. Despite his storied boxing pedigree, Holyfield was convincingly defeated, highlighting the challenges of competing against younger opponents.

Offering strategic advice to Tyson, Holyfield emphasizes the importance of speed and proximity in the ring. He warns Tyson about Paul’s likely advantage in quickness and advises Tyson to remain close to his opponent to minimize Paul’s opportunities to capitalize on his speed.

Comparing Tyson’s fighting style to that of a snake, Holyfield suggests that Tyson is most effective when he can “pop out” on his opponent. However, he cautions that Tyson’s effectiveness diminishes when opponents maintain distance, allowing them to exploit Tyson’s reliance on leg power.

Holyfield’s insights provide valuable perspective for Tyson as he prepares to face Paul in what promises to be a captivating encounter. With Holyfield’s own experiences serving as a cautionary tale, Tyson can heed his advice to navigate the unique challenges posed by his age and his opponent’s skillset.

As the boxing world eagerly awaits the clash between Tyson and Paul, Holyfield’s advice adds an intriguing layer to the narrative surrounding the bout. With both fighters undoubtedly preparing rigorously for the showdown, Holyfield’s words serve as a reminder of the strategic considerations at play in the sport of boxing.

As the countdown to July 20 continues, fans will eagerly await to see how Tyson incorporates Holyfield’s advice into his game plan, setting the stage for a compelling matchup between two generations of fighters.