Mike Tyson is edging closer to his massive fight with Jake Paul – but the heavyweight boxing icon has made a worrying admission two months out.

The 57-year-old will step into the ring against a much younger opponent on July 20 for his first professional bout in almost two decades, despite concerns over his health.

Tyson last competed in an exhibition against Roy Jones Jr. in late-2020, but his clash with Paul will be a fully-sanctioned professional bout in a surprising move.

Speaking at a media event on Tuesday (AEST), the former world champion promised to ‘shake things up’ in the world of combat sports once again – but he did send some alarm bells when quizzed on his preparation for the fight.

“My body is s–t right now … I’m really sore,” Tyson said.

“It was a no-brainer [to fight Paul]. He’s the new up-and-coming guy on the scene.

“I like shaking the sports world to its core, and I’m doing that now. It’s just something I want to do. Who else can shut the sporting world down? No one else can do it.”

Tyson (50-6-2) was known for his knockout power inside the ring during his prime, which saw him dominate the heavyweight division through the 1980s and 1990s.

However, his 27-year-old opponent in Paul has been making waves in boxing since making his pro debut a number of years ago, claiming six knockouts in nine fights.

And while he’s never faced someone as powerful as Tyson before, Paul is confident he can handle what is coming his way.

“I know I will be able to,” he said.

“I’m a natural-born heavyweight. … I’m gonna show Mike who has more power. I think he’s underestimating me, I think everyone else is underestimating me.”

Tyson and Paul were in rather light-hearted moods during the press conference and square-off, but the boxing legend sent one ominous warning to his opponent.

“I really like Jake a lot … but once he’s in that ring, he’s gotta fight like his life is depending on it, because it will be,” Tyson said.