Mike Tyson returns to the ring this year against a man 30 years his junior in Jake Paul.
Despite the gulf in fighting experience, Paul has youth and activity on his side against 58-year-old Tyson, who hung up the gloves all the way back in 2005 after two losses.
Because of that fact, the bout – which will be fought with 14 ounce gloves over eight two minute rounds – has drawn considerably controversy.
World renowned trainer Freddie Roach trained Tyson for two fights at the tail-end of his career after his knockout loss to Lennox Lewis in Memphis, Tennessee. The first bout saw ‘Iron’ Mike knock out Clifford Etienne in one round but he came unstuck in the second, losing by stoppage to Danny Williams in four. He would have one final fight – a loss to Kevin McBride in which he retired on his stool.
On the experience, Roach told DAZN:
“Mike’s a great guy and I did train him for a couple of fights before the end of his career, but his heart wasn’t really in it at that time. If he didn’t knock you out in a couple of rounds he’d get a torn meniscus in his knee or an injury somewhere here or there.
But the thing is Mike is a great puncher, he trains very hard. Being with Mike for two fights it was a lot of fun, I enjoyed it. Catching him on the mitts was very difficult and a lot of fun. Getting whacked by Mike Tyson with the right hook isn’t my favourite spot but I lived through it!”
Roach has also seen Paul spar in his Wild Card Gym, albeit briefly. He spoke to FightHype about it.
“The kid’s okay. You know, a club fighter, I don’t know. I’ve never really met him. He was in my gym and they wanted to work, use the ring. Okay, go ahead.”
Speaking more recently to KO Artist Sports, Roach gave his verdict on the fight and didn’t sound overly optimistic about his old fighter’s chances.
“I trained Tyson. I like Mike a lot. He does come by my gym once in a while to say hello and visit and stuff. All of a sudden this fight’s coming up against a younger, maybe stronger man. Well I can’t say stronger cause Tyson’s very strong. But the last two fights I trained Tyson for he didn’t do that well. I hope he does well because he’s a good friend of mine.”
