The 58-year-old from Brooklyn laced the gloves up as a professional for the first time in just shy of two decades when he faced the Youtube sensation turned professional fighter at the AT&T Stadium in Texas on November 15.
Tyson was a shadow of his once formidable self on fight night, struggling to match the tempo set by ‘The Problem Child’ who is thirty years his junior. Paul was declared the winner via unanimous decision after an eight round contest which failed to live up to the expectations that had been set by both fighters.
As Paul now gears up to make his return to the ring against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr next month and looks to get back to stoppage winning ways, ‘Iron’ Mike spoke to FOX Sports and gave an honest assessment of his former rival’s punching power, which has been the subject of much speculation since he made his debut back in 2020.
In summing up, the former undisputed heavyweight champion said, “Jake punches hard.”
“I don’t remember it, but my body, my chest, stomach and stuff was really sore … Jake punches hard. My body hurt so bad.”
Paul – who has seven knockouts from 11 wins – has once again reiterated his desire at becoming a legitimate world champion in the near future, and victory over Chavez could put him in prime position for getting a shot at a world title.
Chavez, though older and inactive, may present a challenge for the 28-year-old, who has spent the majority of his career matching himself against retired MMA fighters who had made the transition into boxing, including the likes of Anderson Silva, Nate Diaz and Tyron Woodley.