Many are excited about this summer’s high-profile boxing match between the legendary Mike Tyson and YouTuber Jake Paul, but the former heavyweight champion received a warning from a fellow veteran.
When asked by TMZ about the upcoming fight between Tyson and Paul, Oscar De La Hoya expressed a sense of caution over the matchup that will feature a 31-year age gap.
“I’m gonna pray for Mike Tyson, ’cause I love Mike Tyson,” De La Hoya said. “I think Jake Paul, look, he’s a real fighter. He really is. It’s a dangerous fight. Mike Tyson, be careful, please.”
Tyson will be 58 years old when he faces the 27-year-old Paul on on November 15, 2024 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The fight, which will be streamed live on Netflix, features the largest age difference in boxing history.
Tyson last fought in November 2020 in an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr., which ended in a split draw. Paul is coming off a first-round knockout win over Ryan Bourland in early March.
Many have criticized the matchup, but De La Hoya doesn’t believe Tyson’s fight against Paul will tarnish his legacy.
“No, Mike Tyson is cemented, legacy, forever,” De La Hoya said. “Mike Tyson will be the man forever.”