They meet at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday 15 November, in a fight that has caused controversy due to ‘Iron Mike’ getting back in the ring nearly 20 years since his last professional contest.
In his penultimate professional bout, Tyson went up against British heavyweight Danny Williams, but suffered a stunning upset loss, with Williams claiming the fourth round knockout win.
Legendary trainer Freddie Roach was in the corner for ‘Iron Mike’ for that fight, and he told DAZN what it was like to work with the heavyweight icon during the tail-end of his career.
“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 then spoke about Tyson’s chances against Paul whilst talking to K.O Artist Sports.
“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.”
Tyson vs. Paul will be broadcast live on Netflix, and the Youtuber-turned-boxer has revealed who he plans to fight next should he be victorious.
